Decision
Analysis
outcome: Recommendations were approved, including further engagement with Government and Staffordshire Leaders, delegation of responsibilities to key officers, and allocation of funds for the work needed.
summary: The decision involves the approval of recommendations for local government reorganisation in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
topline: The Cabinet has decided to approve recommendations for local government reorganisation in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, involving further engagement with Government and key stakeholders.
reason_contentious: This issue is contentious due to the potential impact on local government structures and funding, as well as the involvement of multiple stakeholders.
affected_stakeholders: ["Government", "Staffordshire Leaders", "Chief Executive", "Section 151 Officer", "Leader of the Council", "Portfolio Holder", "Members of Parliament"]
contentiousness_score: 7
political_party_relevance: There are mentions of engaging with Government Ministers and calling upon Members of Parliament for support, indicating political influence on the decision.
URL: https://moderngov.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1438
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: (i) That the receipt of Government feedback in relation to the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent submissions of Interim Plans for Local Government Reorganisation, be noted. (ii) That it be noted that the Council will now further engage with Government and Staffordshire Leaders through a meeting separate to the Staffordshire Leaders Board. (iii) That it be delegated to the Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder, Finance, Town Centres & Growth, to engage the necessary support for the work on the local government reorganisation, noting that the borough is not yet in receipt of funding from Government to partially offset any costs accrued and that the Council continues to seek a fair allocation of this funding. (iv) That £200k to be transferred from the Business Rates Reserve to the Budget Support and Borrowing Fund in order to fund the work needed to submit the Council’s final Local Government Reorganisation Plan. (v) That Newcastle-Under-Lyme’s Members of Parliament be called upon to support the Borough’s resolutions as set out in the report to full Council of 19th March 2025, and that they engage with Government Ministers in stating the case for the Borough.
Date of Decision: July 8, 2025