Stoke-on-Trent City Council has confirmed its proposals to reshape local government in Staffordshire with plans for two new local authorities – one covering North Staffordshire and another for Southern & Mid Staffordshire.
Here, the authority’s leader councillor Jane Ashworth explains the reasoning behind the vision.
“Let’s be clear: local government reorganisation is going to happen. It is a national government plan – happening all over the country – and ministers are committed to delivering it.
The current system is not sustainable. Years of austerity cuts, ever-increasing demand and competition for scarce resources have left many councils less able to deliver much-needed change. It is no surprise people are sceptical about our ability to meet their needs.
We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a different system of local government – one that is designed around communities’ needs. An opportunity to create a more efficient system where councils can stand on their own two feet financially without being a hostage to government funding.
And above all, a system which reflects our unique places, communities and local identities, and the reality of people’s lives.
There is really only one option that can deliver all that. Our proposal – for two new councils, covering North Staffordshire and Southern & Mid Staffordshire – works precisely because it is shaped around the way we already all live our daily lives. Anyone reading our full submission can see the reams of analysis showing this is the most logical, pragmatic, and cost-effective solution – for everyone, not just Stoke-on-Trent.
Ours is not the only proposal for reorganisation in Staffordshire, but it is the only one which ticks all of the Government’s criteria and delivers accountability, secures sustainable cost savings and unlocks the enormous economic potential of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
Our model will protect local identities, enshrine access to local services, preserve our cherished civic institutions and empower citizens to have more of say in decisions about their lives and communities.
We have a responsibility to our citizens and communities to make the right changes which build on existing strengths and opportunities. Get it wrong and Stoke-on-Trent could end up being merged with Tamworth and run from Lichfield – a nonsensical idea which serves no one’s best interests.
This is not a case of presenting the least-worst option for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
It is by far our best chance of building a stronger Staffordshire which can enable all areas to grow and prosper.”
Ms Ashworth, you’re only convincing yourself on this one. It’s happening, I know, and I await the downward spiral of services. If only this was put to a public vote then you’d see how much it’s not wanted.