Residents, businesses and organisations across Southern and Mid Staffordshire are being asked for their views to help shape the future of local government in the area.

Leaders from six councils have been working together as part of plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). LGR is taking place across the country and will see unitary councils created that will cover everything from household waste collections and fixing roads, to street cleaning and looking after elderly and vulnerable people.

The move would see Stafford Borough Council, Cannock Chase District Council, East Staffordshire Borough Council, Lichfield District Council, South Staffordshire District Council and Tamworth Borough Council all abolished in 2028.

Now the Leaders want to hear from people across all their communities to help shape the future of local government in the area. A survey has been launched today (Friday 25 July 2025) to gather this feedback, and there will also be a range of other ways for residents to share their views, which could include local drop-in sessions and community events.

Central Government set out plans late last year which will see all councils in shire areas including Staffordshire replaced with fewer councils, known as unitary councils, which are then responsible for all services in their area - with the Government indicating that these should be established using existing district boundaries.

The six councils submitted an interim proposal to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in March.

Leaders of all the councils have stressed that in the meantime it will be ‘business as usual’ with each of the authorities continuing to deliver key services to their residents and businesses.

In a statement on behalf of the Southern and Mid Staffordshire councils, the Leaders’ said: “From the very start our priority has been clear - to put our communities first in every decision we make. It’s what has brought us together as Leaders - and it is what will guide us in delivering excellent services for our residents, businesses, and local organisations for the future.

“This needs to be shaped by the people and communities we serve, which is why this survey, alongside other events where you will be able to have your say, is so important.

“We strongly encourage everyone to get involved and tell us what matters most to you.”

The six councils have worked together for many years on various projects, or sharing functions, to help deliver more efficient services for residents and businesses. In their interim proposal to MHCLG the councils said that using existing local authority boundaries would result in a smoother, and more cost-effective process of reorganisation.

A full business case must be submitted to the Government for consideration in November.

More information on Local Government Reorganisation can be found on the websites of all the six councils, and you can take part in the survey via online1.snapsurveys.com/shapingstaffordshire which will run until Monday 1 September 2025.

Other councils across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent are also expected to put forward proposals for new authorities.

Press Release No 6227