You may be aware that Stafford Borough Council is currently carrying out a Community Governance Review, which includes proposals to create a new Stafford Town Council.
One option under consideration is that Doxey Parish Council could be dissolved, with Doxey becoming part of a much larger Stafford Town Council.
Doxey Parish Council believes it is important that residents understand what this could mean and why we are opposed to the loss of Doxey’s Parish Council, while also setting out the potential advantages being suggested by those supporting the change.
What Is Being Proposed?
At present, Doxey has its own elected Parish Council, focused entirely on representing the needs, concerns and priorities of this community.
Under the proposals being considered, Doxey would no longer have its own parish council and would instead be represented by councillors on a single Stafford Town Council, covering the whole of Stafford.
No final decision has yet been made, and residents’ views form a key part of the review.
Why Doxey Parish Council Opposes the Merger
Doxey Parish Council has serious concerns about the impact this change could have on local representation and community identity.
In particular, we believe residents could lose:
• Strong local representation
Doxey Parish Council exists solely to represent Doxey. Our councillors live locally, understand local issues, and focus entirely on this community. A much larger town council would have to balance the needs of many different neighbourhoods.
• A direct and accessible voice
Parish councillors are easily accessible and meetings are held locally. Residents may find it harder to engage with councillors representing much larger areas.
• Focus on Doxey-specific issues
Smaller but important local matters — such as planning consultations, green spaces, traffic concerns and local facilities — risk receiving less attention within a town-wide council.
• Doxey’s distinct identity
Doxey has a strong and established community identity. Having its own parish council helps protect and promote that identity rather than absorbing it into a wider structure.
For these reasons, Doxey Parish Council believes that local decision-making should remain as close to residents as possible, and that Doxey is best served by retaining its own parish council.
Potential Advantages Being Put Forward
It is also important to recognise the arguments being made in favour of a new Stafford Town Council. These include:
• Town-wide representation
A single council representing all parts of Stafford, including areas that currently have no parish or town council.
• A larger collective voice
A town council covering the whole of Stafford may have greater influence when engaging with the borough council or any future unitary authority.
• Consistency of governance
All residents of Stafford would have the same level of local governance, rather than a mix of parished and unparished areas.
While these points may have merit, Doxey Parish Council does not believe they outweigh the loss of strong, local representation for Doxey residents.
What Happens Next?
Stafford Borough Council will carry out consultation before making any recommendations. Residents will have the opportunity to give their views on the proposals.
Doxey Parish Council strongly encourages residents to:
• Take part in the consultation
• Consider how the proposals could affect Doxey specifically
• Make their views known
Our Position
Doxey Parish Council believes that Doxey should retain its Parish Council and that decisions affecting this community are best made locally, by councillors elected specifically to represent Doxey.
We will continue to keep residents informed as the Community Governance Review progresses.