Adam Jogee MP welcomes pause and review of North Staffordshire council shake-up

Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Adam Jogee has welcomed the decision to pause and review proposed local government reorganisation plans, saying the move means local communities have finally been listened to.

The Government announced today that the proposed local government reorganisation process is to be paused and reviewed by the new Secretary of State.

Mr Jogee, who has repeatedly raised concerns over the plans affecting North Staffordshire, said he had called for the proposals to be reconsidered during a debate in the House of Commons back in July.

He said: “I welcome the decision to pause and review the proposed local government reorganisation by the Secretary of State today.

“Back in July, on the floor of the House of Commons, I very clearly – and forcefully – said that it wasn't too late to pause and think again. Today the new Secretary of State has done exactly that.”

The Newcastle-under-Lyme MP said he had consistently highlighted what he described as the overwhelming view of people in Newcastle-under-Lyme during discussions over the future structure of local government.

He said decisions should be made “with people, not to them”.

Mr Jogee added: “As our local Member of Parliament, I will continue speaking up – and fighting – for our community, for our interests and for the powers that will allow us to tackle the issues and challenges that local people want and need addressed.

“But for today, I welcome the fact we have been listened to.

“That's what real and meaningful leadership does, it respects, listens, and engages.”

The MP said he would continue to “forcefully fight our corner” while the pause and review takes place.

He is also due to be in Parliament for the Secretary of State's statement at 3.30pm today, where he says he will continue to raise the concerns and views of his constituents.

Mr Jogee said: “I shall, as you'd expect, forcefully fight our corner as this pause and review takes place.

“I will be in Parliament for the statement from the Secretary of State at 15:30 and I shall be standing up for the views and concerns of my constituents, as I did when the plans for LGR were announced back in the summer.”

The development comes after months of debate over Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and proposals for how councils across Staffordshire could be structured in the future.

Mr Jogee's original response to the North Staffordshire LGR proposals, when they were first announced in the House of Commons, can be read on his website: Adam Jogee MP's response to the LGR announcement.