'Stafford residents have a say in how their town is run' - Green Party speaks out in support of local council plans

County, borough and district councils in Staffordshire are set to be replaced in 2028 with a unitary authority system as part of the largest national shake-up of local government in more than 50 years.

The plans, put forward by the Labour government, have sparked concerns about future representation of communities on larger councils however. While town and parish councils are already in place across Stafford Borough to make representations on comments on matters such as planning applications on behalf of residents, Stafford currently remains “unparished”.

A public consultation seeking views on whether or not to establish a Stafford Town Council closes on Sunday (March 22). Around 1,000 people have had their say.

Earlier this week, the town’s Labour MP Leigh Ingham said she “strongly opposed” the creation of a Stafford Town Council. In a letter to Stafford Borough Council leader and fellow Labour member Aidan Godfrey, she said: “At a time when many residents are already facing cost-of-living pressures, I don’t think it’s right to introduce another layer of local government that would require a new council tax precept.

“This is against the aims of local government reorganisation, which is to simplify structures and create a more efficient and cost-effective system. Any proposal that could increase residents’ bills must be justified by clear benefits; while I have seen evidence the approach can work in some areas, at present I have not seen a clear explanation of what additional services a town council would deliver to Stafford or how it would improve residents’ day-to-day lives.”

In response to Ms Ingham’s letter, Stafford and Stone Green Party has spoken out in support of the establishment of a Stafford Town Council this week. Members said that with the abolition of the borough council, they saw it as vital to provide a body that represented town residents.

They highlighted the work of existing parish and town councils, such as Stone, in improving life for communities, as well as their ability to comment on planning applications, protect local heritage, provide facilities, support community groups and help with nature restoration. They added that the proposal for a town council has been overseen by an all-party group and endorsed by the full borough council.

Councillor Tony Pearce, cabinet member for climate action and nature recovery at Stafford Borough Council, said: “The Stafford MP has expressed support for existing town and parish council within her constituency but doesn’t think Stafford should have one. She has said that she is unaware of the benefits it could bring, yet she is familiar with other town and parish councils in the area she represents so must be aware of their value.

“Democracy is a precious thing. A town council provides an important way of ensuring Stafford residents have a say in how their town is run.”