Government proposals for devolution seek to create ‘strategic authorities’.
Strategic authorities oversee the big major infrastructure programmes as directed by government such as strategic planning, transport, skills etc, like we see with organisations like the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Strategic authorities sit above the new unitary councils and do not deliverer the day-today services and functions. Government suggest the ideal population size for strategic authorities is being set at 1.5million.
For more information about devolution see:
Foundation Strategic Authority
Context:
In March 2026, an application was sent to government on behalf of all Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent councils to set up a Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA).
What is an FSA?
A Foundation Strategic Authority, or FSA, is a new type of local authority partnership offered by the government.
It could give our area extra powers and funding which means that more decisions about things that affect you will be made locally.
These are additional powers that local councils cannot access on our own.
What could be the benefits for the area?
With an FSA, our area could:
- Get extra money to help grow jobs and businesses
- Make better decisions about buses and transport
- Have more control over training and skills, such as adult learning
- Help people with specialist employment needs
- Work with Homes England on new homes and regeneration
- Work more closely with government on major projects, including rail
- Have a stronger say in the skills local employers need
Why does this matter?
These extra powers could help us:
- Give people better chances to learn new skills
- Bring in more jobs and investment
- Improve transport and travel
- Make decisions that suit our local area
How could it affect local councils and services?
The FSA would sit alongside local councils, not replace them.
It would not run day-to-day council services such as household bin collections, social care, children’s services and street cleaning.
What’s the difference between devolution and local government reorganisation?
- Devolution gives local areas more powers and money from government.
- Local government reorganisation is about changing the number or structure of councils.
These are two separate processes, although they may happen at the same time.
Why are Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent doing this together?
The area has over one million residents, shared transport links, and a connected economy, so it makes sense to work together.