Local councils from across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire have welcomed plans to create a new Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) covering the city and the county, which is expected to operate in a similar way to Greater Manchester, with devolved powers and long-term funding over issues including transport, jobs, and housing.
Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Jane Ashworth, said the MSA would work alongside local councils, not replace them. “Councils will continue to provide services such as household bin collections, social care, children’s services, council tax and street cleaning, with no immediate changes for residents, staff, or services.”
Over in Newcastle, Jonathan Gullis also welcomed the move, saying it has the potential to help us attract investment, and deliver a more joined-up public transport network. However, he warned that, “we cannot simply replace decision making in Whitehall with another layer of bureaucracy that lacks the powers or resources to deliver,” and that Staffs and Stoke “must be given the opportunity to compete on a level playing field with the likes of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.”
Councillor Hayley Coles, acting leader of Staffordshire County Council, also supports the plans. “It is a chance for us to have a stronger voice and more say over the important decisions that affect us. We know our area best, and this is an opportunity to shape our own future.”
Leader of Stafford Borough Council, Councillor Aidan Godfrey, agreed. “We are united in a desire to move quickly to establish a Foundation Strategic Authority - working together to unlock the economic potential of the area for our communities.”
