Staffordshire Moorlands Tories Oppose Plans to Merge with Stoke-on-Trent
Community leaders are pushing back against government plans to merge Staffordshire Moorlands with Stoke-on-Trent. They believe this would erase their unique identity and local governance.
Staffordshire Moorlands, Stoke-on-Trent, Karen Bradley, Devolution, Local Government, Community Leaders
Staffordshire Moorlands: Community leaders are really concerned about new government plans. They fear these proposals could merge their area with Stoke-on-Trent.
A petition has been started to fight against this change. Tory MP Karen Bradley joined local councillors outside the district council’s HQ to voice their concerns.
They want to keep Staffordshire Moorlands separate from Stoke-on-Trent. Similar worries are popping up in Newcastle, where leaders are also pushing back against the changes.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner recently announced plans to end two-tier local government. This would affect areas like Staffordshire, which has both a county council and district authorities.
Currently, Staffordshire County Council handles services like highways, while districts manage things like bin collections. Labour argues that unitary councils could save money and be more efficient.
In response, local leaders are crafting their own proposals. They want to keep their boundaries intact and avoid creating an elected mayor.
Bradley emphasized the importance of local decision-making. She stated, “We want to stay as Staffordshire Moorlands. Decisions about our community should be made here, not in Stoke-on-Trent.”
Councillor Joe Porter echoed her sentiments, highlighting the Moorlands’ unique history and beauty. He believes they should remain distinct from Stoke-on-Trent.
Porter also mentioned that while devolution can be beneficial, merging with Stoke-on-Trent wouldn’t serve their best interests. Local leaders are determined to keep their identity intact.
At the gathering outside Moorlands House, borough council leader Simon Tagg shared similar concerns. He noted that many residents feel the same way about the proposed changes.
Councillor Mark Deaville added that this merger is not what the people want. He stressed the importance of listening to residents and standing firm against government imposition.
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