Decision on Staffordshire councils brings much-needed certainty – Chamber

The decision to bring forward the reorganisation of councils in Staffordshire provides certainty for businesses in the area, business leaders said today.

Staffordshire County Council along with district and borough authorities in the area are to be replaced with two new unitary councils covering the north and south of the county from 2028.

The plans were announced in the House of Commons yesterday as part of a reorganisation of local government which will reduce the number of councils in England from 317 to a maximum of 173.

It means eight district and borough councils, the county council and the existing Stoke-on-Trent unitary authority will all be abolished.

The decision was backed by five of the 10 councils in Staffordshire.

The two new unitary councils will take on the running of all public services, including bin collections, road maintenance, libraries, housing and social care.

Steve Reed, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, said replacing the current "inefficient" system would deliver savings by reducing "wasteful" duplication and improving public services.

The reorganisation is also designed to pave the way for more powers to be handed from Westminster and Whitehall to regions across the country - a key part of incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham's plans.

As part of its Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel report, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce provided 17 evidence recommendations for decision-makers to support the economy in Staffordshire.

Ruth Fleet (pictured), senior policy advisor at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Minister’s decision on Local Government Reorganisation brings much-needed certainty to Staffordshire.

“Businesses have long called for clarity on local governance arrangements and, with the shape of the future North Staffordshire and Southern and Mid-Staffordshire unitary councils now confirmed, the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce looks forward to working closely with the new authorities to champion business interests, unlock opportunities and drive economic growth across the region.”

Find out more information about the Staffordshire Gateway Growth Panel report.