A Staffordshire council is set to become one of only two authorities in England to leave a national association.

Reform UK leaders at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council plan to withdraw from the Local Government Association claiming that membership does not represent value for money.

The council said the move will save taxpayers up to £17,200 a year in membership fees and expenses. This figure is equivalent to around 0.1 per cent of the council's £20 million a year revenue budget.

The LGA describes itself as a 'member-led, cross-party national organisation' that lobbies government on behalf of local councils.

Its membership currently includes 316 out of 317 councils in England, including other authorities in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

But Newcastle Borough Council leader Jonathan Gullis says it is a 'talking shop' that does not benefit local people.

He said: "The Local Government Association is everything people are sick of about the broken Westminster political system. A cosy, self-serving establishment funded by hard-working taxpayers who see absolutely nothing in return.

"The conference trips, hotel stays, travel expenses and officer time spent preparing for and attending these events are all paid for by the taxpayer, with no benefit whatsoever to local people. It is a talking shop that exists to protect the political class, not the public.

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"Reform UK was elected to do things differently. That means putting taxpayers first, with institutions like the LGA being abolished."

The LGA insists the services it offers its members in areas such as policy, improvement and legal means it does provide good value for money

Councillor Louise Gittins, chair of the LGA, believes it is important the LGA responds to the needs of all councils and political groups.

She said: "The LGA's ability to advocate effectively for the sector depends on broad membership from across the political spectrum, ensuring the interests and priorities of all councils are heard by national government.

"It is therefore disappointing to learn that Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has announced its intention to no longer participate as part of the LGA.

"The council currently remains in membership and we have been in contact prior to and following their announcement. We remain ready to discuss any concerns they may have and the benefits of continued membership.

"It would be a great pity if we were unable to continue working closely with the council on their local issues and community campaigns, including Walleys Quarry."

The borough council underwent a 'corporate peer challenge' in 2023 through its membership of the LGA.

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The review praised the council's leadership and partnership working, and in 2024 the LGA found that good progress was being made against eight key recommendations.