Council concerned that office move might hit economy
COUNCILLORS have called for plans to transfer almost 800 authority employees out of Stoke to be put on hold for the time being.
Members have called for a study of what the scheme's economic impact would be.
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They fear that shops and businesses in the town will be affected if 793 administrative and support workers are transferred from offices in Stoke to Hanley's proposed Central Business District in 2012.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is planning to transfer the workers to a private company next year to form a strategic partnership.
Yesterday, the city council's transformation and resources overview and scrutiny committee discussed the proposals.
And it passed a resolution to delay the transfer until a proper economic impact assessment has been carried out.
Members also asked that details of all costs involved in the strategic partnership contract be provided as soon as possible.
Non-aligned group spokesman councillor Mick Salih said he feared that businesses in Stoke would suffer a drop in trade if large numbers of office workers were moved to Hanley.
He also raised concerns about the risks of proceeding with the partnership and whether sufficient safeguards were being taken.
The recommendations will be put to the council leaders next week.
3 Comments
by John, Newcastle
Thursday, May 21 2009, 5:51PM
“Stoke City Council have neglected Stoke Town for years, it is too much to hope for commonsense to prevail.”
by David, Fenton
Thursday, May 21 2009, 5:17PM
“I wonder which genius within our council came up with the conclusion that; moving 800 office staff to Hanley would be detremental to the economy of Stoke Town? We should elect him/her leader for being the only one within our council that isnt BRAIN-DEAD.”
by tjp1955, longton
Thursday, May 21 2009, 2:45PM
“Well done. Lets hope the leaders listen and postpone. Look at all the comments on the Serco and Keir administration. Do we really want more of the same?”