A group of local authorities in southern and mid Staffordshire has today written to the Minister of State responsible for English Devolution with an interim plan for local government reorganisation.
In response to the government’s English Devolution White Paper local authorities are required to submit their initial preference to Jim McMahon, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution before final submissions are made in November 2025.
Cannock Chase District Council, East Staffordshire Borough Council, Lichfield District Council, South Staffordshire District Council, Stafford Borough Council and Tamworth Borough Council have worked together on a proposal for a unitary authority for Southern and Mid Staffordshire which could include up to all six districts. This is included as one of the proposed options submitted in the Staffordshire Leaders’ Board interim plan.
At the same time, the six councils will analyse whether two unitaries can be constructed across its geography.
The proposal for Southern Staffordshire is inter-related to a similar proposal that has been suggested for a unitary authority covering the north of the county.
It prioritises the delivery of high quality and sustainable public services and is made up of the ‘building blocks’ of the existing districts and boroughs to empower communities. To help shape it, a comprehensive programme of engagement with residents, businesses and key partners will be delivered between now and the final proposal.
The Leader of Cannock Chase District Council, Councillor Tony Johnson, said:
“This will be six councils working together on a proposal to establish a new authority for the south of the county. The residents and businesses of Cannock Chase will be best served by a southern alliance - and they must be the priority in any decision we make. These six councils together will provide for a strong cohesive and sustainable body.”
The Leader of East Staffordshire Borough Council, Councillor Mick Fitzpatrick, said:
“Two tier local government has served Staffordshire well for over 50 years. However, as we are required to respond to the Ministers statutory invite, it is important we engage in the process so that the best interests of our residents, businesses and stakeholders are considered in how their local government moves from two tier to unitary local government. The governments ambitious timetable seeks implementation by 2028. We will keep a strong focus on existing service delivery between now and then”.
The Leader of Lichfield District Council, Councillor Doug Pullen, said:
“We don’t agree that local government reorganisation is necessary. However, in accordance with the Government’s request we will do so and work across the political and geographical boundaries to meet the best interests of our residents.”
The Leader of South Staffordshire District Council, Councillor Kath Perry MBE, said:
“My commitment is to work closely with the other Leaders on the proposals. My priority will always be to ensure that our residents receive the best possible services, delivered as close to our communities as possible. Close working with the distinct localities of South Staffordshire District is a fundamental aspect of our identity, and we wish to protect this as we move to a new model of Local Government within the County."
The Leader of Stafford Borough Council, Councillor Aidan Godfrey, said:
“This will be a South Staffordshire unitary which retains our existing boundaries and will be an economic driver for the south. Most importantly it will be a unitary established by six willing councils who are united in putting this forward and will be the best option for the people and communities of Stafford Borough.”
The Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, Councillor Carol Dean, said:
“We understand the government's approach to local government reform and believe that creating a southern Staffordshire unitary council offers the best connection to local places while meeting requirements for local government reorganisation.
“We're committed to working with neighbouring councils to make sure Tamworth's distinct needs are represented and that our residents maintain a strong voice in local decision-making."
The councils will continue to work together on the detail of their proposal for a Southern Staffordshire Unitary before final submissions are made.
The final decision will be taken by central government with the earliest changes expected to be fully implemented in 2028.