Posted on Tuesday 7th December 2021
Staffordshire County Council Leader Alan White, pictured, and the leaders of the county's eight districts and boroughs have agreed closer cooperation across the economy, public health and in other areas.
Nine Staffordshire councils have pledged to work closer together and pursue a County Deal with Government under its ‘Levelling Up’ agenda.
Staffordshire council leaders are pledging to work closer than ever on the economy, skills and training, climate change and improved public services, building on their effective joint working to help residents and businesses through the Covid-19 pandemic.
They are drawing up ambitious plans to create more jobs and opportunities for Staffordshire people, improve public health, and tackle the challenges of waste and recycling. These plans could be delivered faster with extra funding and support available through a County Deal, say the councils.
Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said:
Whether standing shoulder to shoulder to protect the vulnerable through the pandemic, or moving the earth to create new business parks ready for investment, we deliver best when we work together.
Collaboration is at the heart of all we do best in Staffordshire, and thanks to strong local leadership, we have a track record to prove it.
This agreement builds on our strengths and offers the Government the perfect platform here, in the nationally valued centre of the country, to pursue its levelling up agenda.
Come what may, Staffordshire councils will continue to work hand in glove. But a County Deal and additional investment in Staffordshire would help us put our foot to the floor and accelerate the positive changes we can make for the 850,000 people we serve.”
Councillor Olivia Lyons, Leader of Cannock Chase District Council, said:
We believe a County Deal should not be a one-off bid, but the start of a new, ongoing conversation with central government that builds on Staffordshire’s strengths and tackles big national problems at a local level.
Two-tier local government works in Staffordshire. A County Deal will accelerate our ambitious programme, improve public services and deliver excellent returns for both the people of Staffordshire and the UK.”
A Joint Leaders Board is to be created to oversee the delivery of an agreed set of priorities, and the development of a County Deal for Staffordshire. This Board will further strengthen the strong, local democratic leadership in the county.
Discussions are now underway with Government Ministers and civil servants on a series of proposals.
Notes to Editors
The nine councils working together on the County Deal proposal are: Cannock Chase District Council; East Staffordshire Borough Council; Lichfield District Council; Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council; South Staffordshire Council; Stafford Borough Council; Staffordshire County Council; Staffordshire Moorlands District Council; and Tamworth Borough Council.