Newcastle Council’s Revamp Threatens 852 Years of Independence
Local leaders in Newcastle are opposing government plans that could jeopardize their long-standing independence and local governance.
Newcastle, UK, Local Government, Devolution, Council Independence
Newcastle: Council leaders are really worried about a recent government plan. They believe it could threaten their 852 years of independence. The Labour government wants to shake things up with a new local government structure.
Right now, Newcastle has two councils handling local services: Newcastle Borough Council and Staffordshire County Council. But in Stoke-on-Trent, there’s just one city council. The government thinks merging councils will make them more efficient, but local leaders aren’t so sure.
Newcastle Borough Council could be scrapped, and that’s got cabinet members fired up. They’re concerned that if they merge with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, services will suffer and local voices will be drowned out.
Simon Tagg, the Conservative council leader, is determined to fight back. He recalls past battles against reorganization attempts, like in the 1920s and 1990s. He’s worried about the idea of a North Staffordshire authority, which would mean Newcastle getting swallowed up by Stoke.
Tagg insists they want to keep local services local. He believes the government’s plans are poorly thought out and could erase centuries of local governance.
Newcastle just celebrated its 850th anniversary, and it’s been running its own local government since Henry II granted it a charter in 1173. Tagg pointed out the council’s successes, like tackling issues at Walleys Quarry and improving the Brampton Museum.
He fears that if they join a larger authority, the museum might not survive. The council is planning to reach out to Newcastle’s MPs and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to voice their concerns.
Councillor Andrew Fear is also skeptical. He argues that these proposals lack public support and are more about centralizing power than giving it back to the people. He’s seen how services have declined when power shifts away from local councils.
Councillor Gill Heesom agrees, saying there’s no upside for Newcastle if these changes go through. In September, council leaders from Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent proposed their own devolution plans, but they want to keep things as they are.