Residents asked if they want a new council
BBCResidents living in a part of Staffordshire are being asked if they want a new town council for their area.
Letters are being sent to all households in the county town of Stafford who might be affected by the move.
Stafford is the only unparished part of the wider borough of the same name – and some officials feel existing plans to shake up local government in the county would leave people in the town with a lack of local representation.
Under those plans, the current borough council would be abolished and replaced with a larger unitary authority in 2028.
A report by the borough council recently recommended the area to be reviewed for a proposed new town council, which should encompass the unparished area of the borough as well as the existing parished area of Doxey.
People in Stafford, including the already parished area of Doxey, will be receiving letters asking for their views on the proposals.
Because Stafford was granted a Royal Charter in 1206, and has a history of mayoralty since the 1600s, the chair of a new council could take up the position of mayor which would enable that tradition to continue.
The views of people who live in the town, as well as organisations and businesses that serve Stafford, would help prepare draft recommendations that will be considered by the borough council, according to leader Aidan Godfrey, who encouraged residents to make sure they had their say on the proposals.
If plans to form a new town council were approved, voting would take place in 2027 to elect councillors that would serve about 49,000 residents.
A consultation on the proposals will run until 22 March.
What is a parish or town council?
A parish or town council is the most local tier of government and may deliver a range of services.
These could include managing parks and running events as well as making representations on planning decisions and other local issues.
They are funded through an additional council tax charge, known as a precept.
Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
