Biddulph MP Dame Karen Bradley has voiced strong opposition to proposals from Reform-led Staffordshire County Council that could see the county split into East and West divisions, drawing several towns into what she called a new “Greater Stoke-on-Trent” authority – and called for a debate on the issue.
Speaking in Parliament, Dame Karen, who chairs the Home Affairs Committee, said residents in Staffordshire Moorlands were “very concerned” about the Reform-led council’s plans, which would merge SOT, Burton, Uttoxeter, Tamworth, Lichfield, and the Moorlands into a single unitary authority, which she called “a greater SOT”.
“I am sure the leader of the house will share my astonishment,” she said, “that the Reform-led Staffordshire County Council has put forward a proposal for an East Staffordshire unitary authority.
“Local people must have their say on what happens in their local area.”
Alan Campbell, leader of the House of Commons – whose Government has put forward the idea, who is not supported by any Staffs councils – acknowledged the controversy but said such moves were “not unique” in areas governed by Reform councillors.
He said: “It is an absolute shame that Reform councillors appear to have gone back on their word in this case,” Mr Campbell said.
“One of the themes that must run through the work we do in local government is listening to local people.”
As we report on page 40, Reform UK-led Staffordshire County Council is proposing to split Staffordshire into eastern and western unitary authorities. The response to the Labour Government’s drive to overhaul local councils differs from the previous Tory-led council’s support for a single, county-wide council.
At the moment, council services in Staffordshire, outside of Stoke-on-Trent, are split between the county and district authorities. The Government wants to replace this two-tier system with a single layer of unitaries providing all services, which it says will be more effective and efficient.
The county council’s proposal stands in contrast to the north-south split favoured by most other councils in Staffordshire, including Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.
County Coun Martin Murray, deputy leader of the county council and lead Cabinet member for local government reorganisation, said: “In an ideal world, we would avoid the burden of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s financial distress on people across the wider county, but the Government is likely to dismiss any option that does not help to solve these long-running financial problems or meet their wider criteria for change.
“We will follow the rules of the game set by Government so that they are compelled to consider the option we put forward. We want the best for our residents and businesses – this isn’t about politics; it’s about giving Staffordshire the best chance of success in the circumstances.”
Mr Campbell encouraged Ms Bradley to continue pressing the issue and suggested she considered organising a Parliamentary debate to ensure local voices were heard.
He said: “The proposed restructuring has sparked concern across Staffordshire, with many residents fearing it could dilute local identity and decision-making. Ms Bradley’s intervention adds momentum to growing calls for transparency and public consultation before any changes are made.”
