Re-organising Local Government in Staffordshire

Cllr Paul Ray, leader of the Lib Dem councillors on Lichfield District Council has responded to the proposal by Reform UK-led Staffordshire County Council for the reorganisation of the councils in Staffordshire.

“Firstly we do not support this whole policy brought forward by Labour. It is just not a priority but with their large majority it will no doubt go through. So the Lib Dems’ focus is to get the best deal for the residents of Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages.

Reform UK’s proposals do not work. Reform UK have just not thought this through and this is just another example of their poor management and lack of experience of local government.

Reform UK propose splitting Staffordshire into two new councils: east and west Staffordshire.

They just do not understand that a north / south split is needed because the north and south of Staffordshire are very different. In the south employment flows link into Birmingham and West Midlands but in the north into Manchester.

And under Reform UK’s proposal Lichfield District Council would will form a huge council with Stoke-on-Trent of 690,000. That is way too large and residents tell us that they want their council to be local. 

We support a new South Staffs council of Lichfield, Tamworth and East Staffs councils which will comprise 318,000.

So the Lib Dems totally oppose this Reform UK plan. Reform UK need to think again as this plan simply does not work and is not good for our residents.”

Paul Ray,   Chadsmead ward councillor (Lib Dem)

Lib Dem leader, Lichfield District Council