Councils given six weeks to come up with initial unitary proposal

Councils in Staffordshire have been given six weeks to develop initial proposals to change the county’s political map forever.

The government announced in December that all two-tier councils in England would be abolished and replaced with a single layer of unitary authorities.

In Staffordshire, local services are currently split between the county and district councils – except in Stoke-on-Trent, which already has a unitary council. Ministers say the reorganisation will make local government more effective and efficient, and councils were invited to come up with their own proposals for the new unitaries.

Local Government Minister Jim McMahon has now written to the leaders of all 10 councils in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, setting out in further detail what is expected of them. The letter says that the councils should submit an interim plan for reorganisation by March 21, with a November 28 deadline for the full proposal.

Potential options for reorganisations are listed in the letter, including a single unitary authority covering the whole of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, or dividing the county between two or more unitaries. But Mr McMahon says the councils should make ‘every effort’ to come up with a single proposal for the area, rather than competing plans. The letter states:

“We expect there to be different views on the best structures for an area, and indeed there may be merits to a variety of approaches. Nevertheless, it is not in council taxpayers’ interest to devote public funds and your valuable time and effort into the development of multiple proposals which unnecessarily fragment services, compete against one another, require lengthy implementation periods or which do not sufficiently address local interests and identities.”

Mr McMahon adds: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to work together to put local government in your area on a more sustainable footing, creating simpler structures for your area that will deliver the services that local people and businesses need and deserve. As set out in the White Paper, my commitment is that clear leadership locally will be met with an active partner nationally.”

The guidance in the letter reiterates that the new councils should aim for a population of at least 500,000, although it acknowledges that there may be ‘certain scenarios’ where this does not make sense. It says that councils should cover ‘sensible economic areas’ and be of the right size to ‘achieve efficiencies, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks’.

Cash-strapped councils receiving exceptional financial support – such as Stoke-on-Trent – will be expected to demonstrate how reorganisation could help put them on a ‘firmer footing’. Mr McMahon says that areas should be able to meet the transition costs from existing budget, and there are no plans to write off council debts as part of the reorganisation.

Councils will be expected to engage with residents, their workforces, partner organisations and local MPs as they develop their proposals. Staffordshire will not be among the first wave of councils to undergo unitarisation, and unlike in some areas, May’s county council elections will go ahead as planned.

Councillor Alan White, the leader of the Staffordshire County Council, said the public would be kept informed through the reorganisation process. He said:

“The minister’s letter gives extra clarity around the expectations of the government which is helpful as we consider the options with our neighbouring councils. We are focussed on maximising the benefit of any change for our residents and businesses and will update and involve people as we move through the process.”

Since the government announcement, a number of local politicians have voiced their opposition to the move to unitaries.

In December, the leader of Stafford Borough Council said the community must come first in any discussions about the future of local government.

Councillor Aidan Godfrey said serving residents and businesses across the borough must always be the priority in any local government reorganisation, such as creating more jobs and opportunities, regenerating town centres, providing better transport, and ensuring good homes are available.

He said that he, along with his fellow district council leaders in Staffordshire, the county council, and Stoke on Trent City Council, would be looking carefully at the Government’s proposals.

“We will be seeking the very best outcomes for our residents and businesses. That is our priority.”

He continued: “The White Paper does bring more clarity on the Government’s approach to devolution and local government reorganisation, but I want to consider this paper in detail, and discuss with the other members of the Staffordshire Leaders’ Board, to decide what our next steps will be.

“Councils are most effective when they are small enough to know the needs of local people and large enough to be cost effective.”

He added: “But we will not be taking our eye off the ball in continuing to serve the residents and businesses that make up our wonderful borough. This includes delivering the key services they rely on as well as the ambitious plans we have for regenerating Stafford town centre – which was the number one priority for our residents.”