Stratford councillors have grave concerns over WMCA move
Stratford-on-Avon’s controlling Liberal Democrat district councillors have grave concerns about the benefit to local residents from Stratford becoming part of the West Midlands, alongside Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton.
They are not convinced there will be any benefit for South Warwickshire from joining the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) as a full member.
This controversial move is being considered by Conservative-controlled Warwickshire County Council (WCC), which decided yesterday afternoon, 13th July, to explore becoming a constituent member of the WMCA. Should WCC join the wider authority, Stratford District Council – along with four other Warwickshire districts and boroughs – will have no choice but automatically to become full members.
With mayoral elections for the WMCA scheduled to take place in May 2024, the WCC must move quickly. Council Leader, Dr Susan Juned, said she suspected the move was being hurried through for political reasons to help the current Conservative mayor, Andy Street.
“Liberal Democrats believe that residents benefit from local government that is close to them, is able to listen to them and which represents them. Stratford district would be competing for government money with the likes of Birmingham and Wolverhampton for transport, adult skills training and inward investment.”
“We also need stability,” she added. “There have been massive political changes in Stratford with the Conservatives losing control after more than 20 years in power. Now is the time to consolidate and make sure that the residents of Stratford district have their voices heard and get the support that is rightfully theirs.”
Dr Juned explained that SDC was working with other district councils in Warwickshire to establish the implications of full WMCA membership and ensure that it had the necessary facts to inform and support its case to government.