Kate Pritchard

More than 130 residents attended Lichfield District Council’s Meet the Leader event at The George Hotel on Thursday evening (16 October) to hear updates on the future of local government in Staffordshire and share their views on what matters most to them.

The event forms part of the council’s continued engagement with residents as it prepares to finalise its response to government on potential council reorganisation across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

Following one of the largest resident surveys of its kind, which drew over 16,700 responses from southern and mid Staffordshire, feedback showed strong public support for keeping decision-making close to communities and ensuring councils remain local, visible and accountable.
Based on this evidence, the council has confirmed its intention to pursue a proposal that would see three smaller community-focused unitary councils created across the county, designed to deliver efficient, responsive services that reflect the distinct character of each area.

Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said:
“Our residents have been clear that they want decisions about their local services made by people who know and represent their communities. The proposal we’re putting forward protects that principle; ensuring local government remains truly local, while creating a structure that’s sustainable and works for everyone.”

Recent national analysis by the District Councils Network found that councils serving populations above 350,000 residents tend to spend more per person and charge higher council tax, with no evidence that larger councils deliver better services or greater efficiency.
By contrast, councils of around 300,000–400,000 residents, the size proposed in Lichfield’s three-unitary model, perform most effectively, offering the best balance of financial resilience, service quality and local accountability.

Survey results reflect this preference, showing that 82% of respondents favoured the creation of three smaller unitary councils across Staffordshire. Among Lichfield residents, that figure rose to 86%, underscoring the community’s desire for a council that understands and represents local needs.
The final proposal will be discussed and approved by Cabinet and Full Council on Tuesday 4 November, ahead of submission to government.

Lichfield District Council has partnered with local technology firm AVolution to launch an innovative six-week Young Entrepreneur Support Programme – giving 16 to 25-year-olds the confidence, knowledge and mentoring to take their first steps into business.

Running from 27 October to 8 December 2025, the programme will support aspiring entrepreneurs through a series of interactive workshops, one-to-one mentoring and micro-grants, helping them turn bright ideas into viable business ventures.
The initiative forms part of the Council’s Our Community Can social value programme, which champions opportunities that help local people gain skills, grow confidence and build better futures.

Applicants can sign up now for the programme which covers all stages of setting up a business – from idea development and business planning, to marketing, digital skills and finance.

Councillor Rob Strachan, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Commissioning said: “Supporting our young people to develop entrepreneurial skills is a vital part of building a resilient, inclusive local economy.
“Through Our Community Can and partnerships like this one with AVolution, we’re helping to create real opportunities – giving young residents the tools and support they need to succeed.”

As part of Lichfield District Council’s approach to embedding social value in procurement, contractors are encouraged to deliver initiatives that leave a lasting legacy for the district beyond project completion. AVolution made a social value commitment following its contract award to upgrade the audio-visual system in the Council Chamber.

The programme offers five weeks of virtual training, followed by a final week of presentations and live business pitches to a panel of AVolution experts.
Participants will be mentored by senior members of the AVolution team, including CEO David Savage, who will share practical insights from across the technology, design and communications sectors.
At the end of the programme, four winners will each receive a £500 micro-grant and six months of dedicated mentoring, helping them refine their business ideas and grow with confidence.

David Savage, CEO of AVolution, added:
“Having founded and operated a number of businesses starting my career at 19, I’ve learned that not every great idea automatically becomes a great business. Through this programme, I want to help young people in Lichfield understand the fundamentals – from finance and technology to risk and supply chains – so they can turn ideas into real opportunities.
“Together with Lichfield District Council, we’re creating a platform that gives local young people the confidence, knowledge and support to shape their own paths to success and contribute to the region’s prosperity.”

This collaboration between AVolution and Lichfield District Council reflects the Council’s commitment to working with local employers who share its values – investing in skills, creating opportunities and supporting the next generation of innovators.
Join the Young Entrepreneur Support Programme now via the dedicated web page.

Lichfield District Council has launched a new “Protect Your Home from Fires” resource to help residents reduce the risk of household fires and keep their families safe.

The online guide offers simple, practical advice on a wide range of everyday risks; from cooking, candles and chip pans to heaters, electric blankets, faulty wiring and more. It also provides information on how to plan ahead in case of emergencies and what to do if a fire breaks out.

To mark the launch, residents are invited to take part in a home fire safety competition, open until 31 October 2025. A host of local businesses together with Lichfield Community Fire Station have generously donated prizes to support the campaign, including:

• Tesco – three heat alarms
• Lichfield PAT Testing Ltd – up to five items PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) tested for free (local businesses only)
• Lichfield Community Fire Station – a tour of Lichfield Fire Station
• Legionella & Fire Safe Services – two fire blankets and two packs of fire alarms (two alarms per pack)
• M&I Domestic Appliances – four Tower slow cookers and a Statesman 5L air fryer
• Dobbies Garden Centre at Shenstone – gift bag including prosecco, chutney and seeds

Councillor Richard Cox, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said:
“The Community Safety Partnership is committed to keeping people safe across our district. Everyday items, from heaters to chip pans, can pose serious risks if not used with care. This new resource gives residents the knowledge they need to prevent fires before they happen. I’d encourage everyone to take a look, make small changes at home, and enter our competition to win useful fire safety equipment.”

The Lichfield District Community Safety Partnership brings together local organisations including Lichfield District Council, Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service, and local community groups to tackle key safety issues in the district.

Residents can explore the new fire safety guide and enter the competition at: www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/community/protect-home-fires-resources

More than £400,000 is being invested this year in projects to make Lichfield District’s neighbourhoods safer, cleaner and better connected.
From tackling antisocial behaviour and improving parks, to helping residents protect their homes from scams and fire risks, the funding is focused on the things that matter most to local people.

The work forms part of the district’s new Community Safety Strategy, delivered by the Lichfield District Community Safety Partnership; which brings together Lichfield District Council, Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, Staffordshire County Council, Bromford, and the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office.

The investment, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Staffordshire Commissioner and council budgets, will see the following invested over the coming three years:
• £225,000 for district-wide clean and green improvements – tackling litter, improving lighting, and making public areas safer and more welcoming.
• £150,000 to enhance local parks and open spaces, including new pathways, accessibility upgrades, and safety measures to encourage families and community groups to use them confidently.
• £20,000 to support youth activities in antisocial behaviour hotspots such as North Lichfield and Chasetown – giving young people positive alternatives and safe spaces to thrive.
• £5,300 to expand a peer-led mentoring programme, offering support and lived-experience guidance to individuals at risk of reoffending.
• £2,500 to grow Neighbourhood Watch groups across the district, strengthening local networks and helping communities work together to prevent crime.
• £3,000 to deliver a dementia wristband scheme, helping to safely reunite vulnerable residents who become lost or confused with loved ones.
• £2,000 for doorstep safety initiatives, providing practical tools such as door stickers and mirrors to help residents make safer decisions at home.

A number of awareness campaigns will also run throughout the year, from home and car security to online safety for teenagers.
To support transparency, a new Community Safety Dashboard has also been launched, allowing residents and partners to monitor local statistics, identify areas of concern, and see where investment is making a difference.

Councillor Richard Cox, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, said: “We’ve listened carefully to what residents have told us matters most – safer streets, cleaner parks and stronger communities. This investment means we can act on those priorities, working with our partners to deliver visible improvements across the district.

“I’d encourage residents to get involved, whether that’s reporting issues, joining Neighbourhood Watch, or simply looking out for a neighbour. Together, we can make Lichfield District an even safer and more connected place to live.”

The Community Safety Strategy was developed using insight from hundreds of residents and data analysis led by Impera, focusing on four key areas:
• People – building stronger relationships between neighbours and generations.
• Places – creating cleaner, safer, more welcoming public spaces.
• Policies – ensuring decisions are transparent, responsive and shaped by community voices.
• Programmes – delivering consistent, visible activities that empower communities.

Pye Nyunt, Chief Executive of Impera, added:
“This project demonstrates the full cycle of change – from rigorous research to measurable results. It shows Lichfield District Council’s commitment to evidence-based action that strengthens communities and enhances safety for all.”

Residents, businesses and community groups are being invited to a special Meet the Leader event to learn more about Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and share their views on what it could mean for Lichfield District.

The free event will take place on Thursday 16 October 2025, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield.

Hosted by Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, the session will give attendees the chance to hear directly from him about the proposals being considered for reorganising councils in Southern and Mid Staffordshire.

The event will also explain the potential opportunities and challenges of replacing the current two-tier system with new unitary councils – single organisations that would deliver all local services.

Attendees will then be able to ask questions during an open Q&A session and take part in informal discussions with the Leader and senior officers.
Councillor Doug Pullen said: “Local Government Reorganisation is one of the most significant changes facing our area in decades, and it will shape how services are delivered for years to come. This event is a chance for residents to hear first-hand what is being considered, to ask questions, and to share their views about the future of their local council. I would strongly encourage anyone who wants to understand the proposals and have their say to join us on 16 October.”

Booking is free but spaces are limited. Residents are encouraged to register early to secure their place.

A group of young friends from Shenstone have raised £300 to help homeless people in Lichfield District by running a stall at the village library.
Annie, Mia and Cailin, all aged 10 and Polly, 6, filled their stall with bracelets and bookmarks they had made, together with donated items, and then sold them at Shenstone Library throughout the morning of Saturday 30 August.

Annie said: “We did our stall to help the homeless in Lichfield District because it makes us sad seeing people living on the streets. When my mum read an article in the local paper about Street Aid and how it was supporting people in Lichfield District, we really wanted to help them raise money.”
Lichfield District Street Aid, which is promoted by Lichfield District Council and administered by The Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire, enables donations to be made directly to a fund that helps homeless people sustain accommodation, employment, and make positive life changes.
It also supports essential services that work closely with those experiencing or who are at risk of homelessness.
“I am very proud of the girls, said Annie’s mum, Charlie. “They worked hard and raised £300 which was amazing. It was a lovely morning at the library and the local community was keen to hear about Street Aid and what the campaign was doing in Lichfield District.
“Thank you to the people of Shenstone and to Shenstone Library for their support.”

Councillor Richard Cox, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement said: “I’d like to thank these amazing girls for raising money for the district’s homeless through Street Aid.

“Their efforts are heart-warming and a great example to us all about helping people less fortunate than ourselves.”
Donations can be made through our online donation page or through Street Aid donation points located in the reception areas at District Council House in Frog Lane, Lichfield and at Burntwood Leisure Centre, High Street, Chasetown.
They are compact, easy-to-use free-standing units allowing contactless donations. With a minimum contribution of just £3 donors can feel confident knowing they are supporting local homeless services.
For more information about Lichfield District Street Aid and details of how to make a donation please visit
Lichfield District Street Aid