Jonathan Gullis, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, has expressed deep disappointment at the Prime Minister's recent statement supporting Local Government Reorganisation. Gullis said the decision appears to have been reached without meaningful engagement with council leaders representing local residents.
Since taking on the leadership role, Gullis said he has repeatedly attempted to engage with Government over the proposals. He wrote directly to Andy Burnham and requested a meeting to discuss the council's concerns and explore alternative approaches. These approaches did not receive acknowledgement, he said.
Concerns about debt and service provision
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has consistently opposed the reorganisation. The council has raised several unanswered questions, including concerns about Stoke-on-Trent City Council's significant existing debt and liabilities, and whether Newcastle-under-Lyme residents could be expected to shoulder any burden through a new unitary authority.
The council also wants clarity on the future of local assets, council tax levels, service provision, social care, and the wider financial consequences of merging Newcastle-under-Lyme with Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Moorlands.
Call for devolution without abolition
Gullis said he remains willing to have constructive conversations with Government about devolving more power to Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire. He expressed support for genuine devolution through a Strategic Mayoral Authority that would bring investment and decision-making closer to communities without abolishing councils and local identities.
Gullis stated that residents deserve detailed answers about how any change will affect them before it is imposed upon them.
