Council leader responds to latest local government reorganisation update
Councillor Carol Dean, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said:
“Today, the government has withdrawn the decision it made in July on the future structure of local government in Staffordshire and will now reconsider the existing proposals and evidence before reaching a new decision.
“The government has made clear that it remains committed to local government reorganisation and is not asking councils to submit new proposals or restarting the whole process, but the outcome for Staffordshire will now be considered again.
“For Tamworth, this gives us an important opportunity to make sure ministers have the strongest possible evidence about the implications of the different options for our communities, services, finances and workforce. We will use that opportunity to make sure Tamworth’s needs, identity and ambitions are strongly represented.
“Yesterday, the government also announced that it will begin devolution talks with Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, with a view to creating a Mayoral Strategic Authority for the area. Devolution is separate from local government reorganisation.
“There is no immediate change to council services. Our focus remains on delivering for Tamworth’s residents and businesses while the government considers the future arrangements for Staffordshire.”