Staffordshire to get elected mayor and regional authority, Chancellor announces

Staffordshire is to get a new ‘strategic authority’ headed by an elected mayor, the Chancellor confirmed in the Budget.

The county, including Stoke-on-Trent, is among 10 areas in the final stages of agreeing new devolution arrangements, the Government said.

The news has been welcomed by the county’s Labour MPs, including Josh Newbury, Leigh Ingham and Dave Robertson.

They say it will bring power and investment closer to local communities.

The Budget also included plans for local and regional government to retain 100 per cent of business-rate income by 2030, with regional mayors receiving a share from next year.

In a joint statement, the county’s Labour MPs hailed the announcement as ‘great news’.

“For too long, decisions about our future have been made too far away,” they said.

“Devolution means putting more power in the hands of people who understand our communities, so we can back local jobs and businesses, improve transport and skills, and bring investment to the places that need it.

“This is an important step towards making sure our area has a stronger voice and can shape its own future.”

The MPs said they would work with local councils, businesses, colleges and community organisations to ensure the new authority worked for people in the county.