Government confirms major shake-up of Staffordshire councils
Ten existing councils will be replaced by two new authorities
The Government has confirmed plans to replace Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent’s existing councils with two new unitary authorities.
The changes will see a new council created for North Staffordshire, covering Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire Moorlands.
A second authority will cover the south of the county, including Stafford, East Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Tamworth and South Staffordshire.
The new councils are expected to take over responsibility for services including waste collection, highways, housing, planning, parks, children’s services and adult social care from April 2028.
Elections for new “shadow” councils are expected to take place in May 2027.
Residents will see no immediate changes for now, and current councils will provide day-to-day services until the changes come into force.
Reactions to the decision
The Government’s decision has been welcomed by some councils, including Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council said the north Staffordshire arrangement reflects how people already live and travel across the area.
Leader Jane Ashworth said:
“We warmly welcome the government’s decision to back the North-South proposal.
“It is the option that most closely reflects the reality of how people live, work and travel across our area and provides the strongest basis for future success.”
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council leader Mike Gledhill said the new North Staffordshire council was “not a merger with Stoke-on-Trent”, but “a new start for the three councils”.
He said it could bring opportunities for improved transport links, jobs and investment.
Concerns from Newcastle-under-Lyme
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has opposed the plans and argued it should remain independent.
Leader Councillor Jonathan Gullis said:
“This is a shameful betrayal of Newcastle-under-Lyme and the people who call our Borough home.”
He said more than 11,000 residents had signed a petition against the proposals.
The council’s Conservative group has called for a special meeting to discuss possible legal action against the Government’s decision.
Former council leader Councillor Simon Tagg said:
“This decision disregards the wishes of residents who made clear that a forced merger was unwanted and unwelcome.”
What happens next?
Councils across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will now work together on plans for the transition, including how services and staff will move to the new authorities.
Staffordshire County Council leader Martin Murray said:
“The test now is simple: residents must see stable services, clear decisions and no unnecessary disruption.”