Stafford's MP has opposed plans to create a new council for the County Town as part of local government reorganisation.

A public consultation on whether or not to establish a Stafford Town Council closes on Sunday (22 March) and around 1,000 people have had their say so far.

The community governance review was launched as Stafford Borough Council faces its own demise in a national shake-up of the local authority system.

District, county and borough councils in Staffordshire are set to be replaced by unitary authorities in 2028.

While parish councils are in place across Stafford Borough – and Stone has its own town council – there is currently no such body covering the county town, which remains "unparished".

A cross-party working group on Stafford Borough Council has recommended that the area to be reviewed for a potential new town council should encompass the unparished area of the borough and the current parished area of Doxey."

But Stafford MP Leigh Ingham, who also represents the Eccleshall area and surrounding villages has said she does not support the creation of a new town council.

In a letter to Stafford Borough Council leader Aidan Godfrey, Ms Ingham said: "At a time when many residents are already facing cost-of-living pressures, I don't think it's right to introduce another layer of local government that would require a new council tax precept.

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"This is against the aims of local government reorganisation, which is to simplify structures and create a more efficient and cost-effective system.

"Any proposal that could increase residents' bills must be justified by clear benefits.

"While I have seen evidence the approach can work in some areas, at present I have not seen a clear explanation of what additional services a town council would deliver to Stafford or how it would improve residents' day-to-day lives.

"Stafford has a proud civic identity, and that should be protected, but there are straightforward routes to do this within a unitary structure; we don't need a whole council for the delivery of this function.

"Furthermore, I am concerned about the budget spent on this consultation at a time when councils and residents alike are under financial pressure.

"It is also important to recognise that Doxey is already parished, and I have heard objections from a number of residents there and the parish council – who are already doing brilliant work for their community.

"For these reasons, I remain strongly opposed to the creation of a Stafford Town Council and believe the focus should instead be on ensuring strong representation and effective services within the future local government structure."

Borough councillors have raised concerns about a potential lack of representation for Stafford in the future if it does not have a town council.

The new body would also enable the continuation of Stafford's long Mayoral tradition, which began in 1614, as the chairman of a new town council would be able to become the area's Mayor too.

Town and parish councils are the lowest tier of local government in England, but can charge an annual precept, which forms part of the annual council tax bill, for the services they provide.

These can include maintenance of play areas and other community spaces, public toilets and street furniture, as well as hosting events and making comments on matters such as planning applications on behalf of residents.

Councillor Godfrey said: "There is not that much time left for people to have a say – I'd urge you not to miss out on filling in this short questionnaire. It is the views of residents of our town, as well as organisations and businesses that serve Stafford, which will help prepare draft recommendations to be considered by the borough council."

If a new town council is created, voting would take place in 2027 to elect councillors that would serve around 49,000 residents.

For more information – and to have your say – visit https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/your-say-new-town-council-stafford.