'Residents are already facing a cost-of-living crisis': Stafford MP opposes plans for a town council
Stafford MP Leigh Ingham has voiced her opposition to proposals to create a new council in the town, saying it would be a waste of taxpayers' money.
Stafford borough council launched a consultation on the possibility of creating a new tier of local government in the town in December, after it emerged that the borough could disappear under government plans to streamline local councils - leaving the town without its own council for the first time in more than 400 years.
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But Miss Ingham has written to Councillor Aidan Godfrey, leader of the borough council, voicing her opposition to the plans.
Miss Ingham said she was 'strongly opposed' to the idea, voicing concerns about the potential increase to the council tax with a lack of clear benefits.
The Labour MP questioned whether another layer of local government could be justified during the cost-of-living crisis.
The consultation comes as Staffordshire prepares for local government reorganisation, which will replace the current two-tier system of county and district councils with new single-tier unitary authorities responsible for all local services.
Councillor Godfrey, Labour leader of the 'hung' council, said his preferred option would be to merge Stafford borough with neighbouring South Staffordshire, East Staffordshire, Tamworth, Lichfield and Cannock Chase councils to form a new 'super-authority'.
However, some have voiced concerns that this would leave Stafford without its own council for the first time since 1613.
Miss Ingham said: “Stafford is a historic county town with a strong civic identity, but I just don’t believe creating another layer of local government is the right solution.
“At a time when many residents are already facing cost-of-living pressures, any additional council tax costs need to be clearly justified.
"I have not seen a clear explanation of what additional services a town council would provide or how it would improve residents’ day-to-day lives."
Miss Ingham said the Government was seeking to simplify local government with its reorganisation, not add additional layers of governance.
“My priority is ensuring Stafford residents have strong representation, fair council tax prices, and effective services in the future. I believe all of those things can be delivered without a town council.”
Miss Ingham has asked the council to clarify what specific, measurable benefits residents would see from the creation of a town council, including the potential impact on council tax.
At the moment, Stafford is the only part of the borough not to have a town or parish council.
The creation of a town council would also mean the tradition of a Stafford mayor and deputy mayor could be preserved and transferred following the abolition of the borough authority. Stafford’s first mayor, Matthew Cradock, was elected in 1613 following the granting of a charter by King James I.
People have until Sunday (March 22) to express their views on the matter.
