MP opposes plans to create new town council

An MP has said she is against the idea of creating a new town council to coincide with wider plans to reorganise the structure of local government in Staffordshire.

Labour MP for Stafford Leigh Ingham said in a letter to Stafford Borough Council leader Aidan Godfrey "there needs to be clarity on what specific, measurable benefits residents would see from the creation of a town council".

She said she had particular concerns about the services, cost and tax implications of a new authority.

Those who support the scheme said it would provide people with greater local representation once the local government changes took effect.

Under those plans, the current borough and county council would be abolished and replaced with a larger unitary authority in 2028.

Stafford is the only unparished part of the wider borough of the same name – and some officials feel the plans to shake up local government in the county would leave people in the town with a lack of local representation.

However, Ingham said any proposal that could increase residents' bills "must be justified by clear benefits".

"At a time when many residents are already facing cost-of-living pressures, I don't think it's right to introduce another layer of local government that would require a new council tax precept," she said.

"This is against the aims of local government reorganisation, which is to simplify structures and create a more efficient and cost-effective system."

She added that Stafford had a proud civic identity, which should be protected, but that there were more "straightforward ways" to do this without a new town council.

"It is also important to recognise that Doxey is already parished, and I have heard objections from a number of residents there and the parish council - who are already doing brilliant work for their community," Ingham said.

"I remain strongly opposed to the creation of a Stafford Town Council and believe the focus should instead be on ensuring strong representation and effective services within the future local government structure."

Despite this, she said she was still willing to hear differing opinions on the matter.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.