SDC reverses its decision on new West Midlands Combined Authority

Leading voices in the district – especially in business circles – had argued that the district had missed a golden opportunity to be part of an exciting new initiative and would be unable to take advantage of the government funding that would be available to those who were members of it.

But despite Monday’s overwhelming majority in favour of joining the WMCA, and the fact that a number of councillors had changed their minds, there were still some impassioned speeches against having anything to do with the new authority.

One of them came from Cllr Mike Gittus (Cons, Kinwarton), the chairman of the council. He said he was “a little at a loss” to know why the council was reconsidering last October’s decision.

“The fact that a lawful decision did not find favour with a minority is not a good reason to reconsider it,” he declared. And, in reference to the council becoming a non-constituent member of the WMCA, Cllr Gittus said: “We would not get a vote. We may get a say – or we may not.”

Cllr Gittus referred to the WMCA as a metropolitan authority that would have “more dictatorial powers” and urged councillors to vote against joining it.

Cllr Anne Parry (Cons, Wellesbourne East) said she had not come across one person in her ward who was in favour of joining the WMCA. “This is not just about Stratford town but about the largest rural district in central England,” she said.

She declared: “The demographic profile of the people who live in this district is completely different to those of the West Midlands Combined Authority.” And she added: “Voting for this would be turning our backs on the people who elected us.”

Cllr Parry told fellow councillors: “Your decision today will be the most important decision you make in your term of office. Don’t be persuaded by big business. This lady is not for turning – and neither should you be.”

But Cllr Maurice Howse (Cons, Avenue), whose motion triggered this second meeting on the issue, said: “The West Midlands Combined Authority has been handed down to us by our government. It is a game-changer, a huge game-changer.”

Cllr Howse added: “In a changing world there is no such thing as certainty. We’re bound to have uncertainty as we go forward into the future. If we join, we’re on the train with them. We can talk to them, listen to them and argue with them.

“If we don’t like the decisions that are made we can withdraw. We can maintain our sovereignty. We have control over it.” And he urged councillors: “Do as I implore you to do to make the future of this district secure and vote yes.”

For a fuller report see Thursday's Herald.