Lib Dems react to Local Government Reorganisation
Lichfield Liberal Democrats react to LGR
Local government reorganisation for Staffordshire was announced on 16 July 2026. The new authority of Southern Staffordshire will comprise those areas currently served by: Stafford, East Staffordshire, South Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, and Tamworth authorities.
Cllr Paul Ray, leader of the Liberal Democrats group on Lichfield District Council had this to say regarding the announcement that merges Lichfield District Council with five other councils to form a Southern Staffordshire authority.
“This is not the arrangement that we, or any other political party in Lichfield, had as our first choice. An authority with a population of over 650,000 is neither agile enough to meet residents’ demands in an adequate fashion, nor large enough to provide economies of scale. We are concerned that residents will find that the local government services on which they depend are no longer local, but will be located further away than at present. Even so, we will work with other groups and other authorities to ensure that residents continue to enjoy the same, or better, services than they currently receive.”
City Councillor Paul McDermott, who leads the Lib Dem group on Lichfield City Council, says:
“Larger Parish Councils, such as Lichfield City Council, may find themselves with new roles and responsibilities, given the abolition of District authorities. The Liberal Democrats will work with other groups and with the new authority to ensure sound and responsible management of the City of Lichfield, including those historic aspects that make Lichfield such an attractive location for residents and visitors alike.”
Cllr Jamie Christie, chair of the local Lichfield, Burton and Tamworth Liberal Democrats, says:
“The structure of the new authority will provide us with extra resources to help us achieve our goals with regard to representation throughout the new authority. We look forward to working with our colleagues in other districts on this and other issues shared across the region.”
