The government has decided that two new councils will cover Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent in the future.

The government decision announced on Thursday (16 July) will see:

• Stafford Borough, Cannock Chase District, East Staffordshire Borough, Lichfield District, South Staffordshire and Tamworth as one unitary and
• Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Moorlands and Newcastle Under Lyme as another unitary

This decision follows the submission of five proposals by councils last November, followed by a public consultation earlier this year.

Under the government’s timetable, the new councils are expected to be established in April 2028, with elections to shadow councils held in May 2027.

The two new unitary councils will replace Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent’s ten existing county, city, district and borough councils – including Stafford Borough Council.

There will be no immediate changes to council services, and day-to-day services such as household waste collection, street cleaning, parks and highways maintenance, children’s services and adult social care will continue to be provided as normal.

Councillor Aidan Godfrey, Leader of Stafford Borough Council, said: “I am pleased with the government’s decision and our key focus is on making this work for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

“We already have strong and well-established partnerships, and all councils are united in our commitment to a smooth transition with no disruption to the services residents rely on.

“As always our priority is to our residents and businesses, to protect essential services, and work together to deliver a system that works for the communities we serve.”

Councils will work together to develop detailed plans, including arrangements for how services will move to the new councils and how council decisions will be made.

More information about local government reorganisation can be found on the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent LGR Hub.

Press Release No 6312