Businesses across Southern and Mid Staffordshire are being encouraged to share their views to help shape the future of local government in the area.
Leaders from six councils are working together as part of plans for Local Government Reorganisation taking place across the country which will see all councils in shire areas replaced with fewer councils known as unitary councils, which are responsible for all services in their area.
The plan proposes two unitary councils for Staffordshire in place of the 10 local authorities currently running day-to-day services.
This would see Cannock Chase District Council, East Staffordshire Borough Council, Lichfield District Council, South Staffordshire District Council, Stafford Borough Council and Tamworth Borough Council all abolished in 2028.
Leaders of those local authorities want to hear from people across their communities and are encouraging them to fill in a survey and say what is important to them.
In a statement on behalf of the Southern and Mid Staffordshire councils, the Leaders’ said: “From the very start our priority has been clear – to put our communities first in every decision we make. It’s what has brought us together as Leaders – and it is what will guide us in delivering excellent services for our residents, businesses, and local organisations for the future.
“This needs to be shaped by the people and communities we serve, which is why this survey, alongside other events where you will be able to have your say, is so important.
“We strongly encourage everyone to get involved and tell us what matters most to you.”
An interim proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) by the six councils in March.
A full business case must be submitted to the Government for consideration in November.
Other councils across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are putting forward their own proposals for new authorities.
Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “A reorganisation of this scale presents a unique opportunity to reshape local government in a way that better supports our businesses and communities.
“It’s vital that the voice of the business community in Staffordshire is heard throughout this process to ensure any new structures are responsive, efficient and genuinely enable economic growth across Southern and Mid Staffordshire.”
The survey can be found here and is open until Monday, 1 September.
Anything that helps local communities is a positive step