'We're in the dark over restructure' - councillors

Councillors in Walsall have expressed concern about a planned reorganisation of the council

Councillors have raised concerns about a restructuring which would see some services at two councils merged.

Rumours have circulated about the creation of a deputy chief executive post at Walsall Council and the amalgamation of certain services with Wolverhampton City Council.

The councillors have questioned if money is being saved and whether it will be put back into frontline services.

A spokesperson for the council said the restructure would "ensure the future needs of the borough are met" and provide "value for money".

Labour councillor Paul Bott, who represents Darlaston South ward, said: "The chief executive has called for the restructure, and we're in the dark about it.

"It's a complete shambles, in my opinion. We've just asked the taxpayer to pay another 4.99% in council tax.

"If there's going to be a restructure of the council, I'm concerned it's so people can have pay rises.

"It should be democratic and left to the elected members, not a chief executive, whether she's got the power to do it or not."

'Relentless cuts'

Pete Smith, an independent councillor who represents Blakenall, said: "If the rumour is true, that part of this restructure includes a post which equates to a deputy chief executive, I would be opposed to that.

"The majority of folk have already lost confidence in government, local and national, lost confidence in their elected members, and it's the relentless cuts to services, year by year.

"They see themselves paying more and more for less and less.

"It sticks in their craw when they see some of the salaries that some of our top officers are receiving."

A Walsall Council spokesperson said: "Walsall Council is undertaking a senior management review at director/head of service level to ensure the council is set up to meet the future needs of the borough and deliver on the borough vision We Are Walsall 2040 and the new council plan, Pursuing Excellence, approved at council in January 2025.

"In light of financial pressures facing all local authorities, the review is also being undertaken to ensure value for money, with a view to identifying savings, if appropriate.

"A formal 45-day consultation is underway at present with staff who are affected."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.