Government launches consultation on how councils work in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

Residents, businesses and community organisations across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are being encouraged to share their views as the Government launches its statutory consultation on local government reorganisation.

From bins to bridges, safer streets to social care, councils support daily life across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. The way local government works in the area could change in the future as part of national proposals to simplify council structures.

Under local government reorganisation, Staffordshire’s county, city, district and borough councils would be replaced with a smaller number of new unitary councils delivering all councils services in a given area.

Exactly what this will look like will be decided by the Government following consideration of five proposals that have been submitted.

Councillor Aidan Godfrey, Leader of Stafford Borough Council, has encouraged people to take part in the Government consultation.

“We want to ensure any new council will provide excellent services for the people and the businesses of Stafford Borough. So, if you want to have a say on how council services are delivered in the future, then please take the time to read the information that is available through our dedicated website and then share your views through the Government’s consultation.”

No immediate changes will be made to council services.

The Government is expected to make a decision on local government reorganisation in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent in Summer 2026.

Existing councils will continue to deliver services as normal, with new unitary councils not expected to be in place until April 2028 at the earliest.

The Government’s consultation is now open until Thursday 26 March. People can find out more about the proposals and how to submit their views at www.staffordshirestokeLGR.org.uk

Press Release No 6268