Government Decision on Local Government Reorganisation for Staffordshire

Dear Parish and Town Clerks

Today, the Government has confirmed its decision on local government reorganisation in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. This is a significant milestone in shaping how council services will be delivered across our area in the future.

The Government has decided there will be two new unitary councils, covering the following areas:

• North Staffordshire – taking in Staffordshire Moorlands, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent
• Southern and Mid Staffordshire – taking in Stafford, East Staffordshire, South Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Tamworth

The decision follows the submission of five proposals by councils last November, followed by a public consultation which ran in February and March.

Although the Government did not go for our Enhanced North Staffordshire proposal, after all the hard work we put in, we welcome the fact that we will be part of a new North Staffordshire Council alongside Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent. It makes sense geographically, economically and culturally.

You can read our media release about the decision at https://www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/article/8708/Staffordshire-Moorlands-welcomes-Government-decision-on-Local-Government-Reorganisation

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.

There will be no immediate changes to council services. Residents, businesses and partners should continue to access services and support in the same way as they do now.

Councils across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will now work together to develop detailed implementation plans. Our shared priority is to maintain stable, reliable and accessible services throughout the transition, particularly for vulnerable residents.

We will continue to work openly with partners as plans develop and will share further updates when more detail is available.

There is no action required from you at this stage. However, your continued engagement will be important as we move into the next phase of work. If you have any immediate questions, please get in touch.

Kind regards

Adrian

Adrian Marklew Principal Policy Officer (Communications)

Organisational Development and Transformation

High Peak Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council