Latest update 29 October 2026
Government has agreed to begin talks with councils in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent about setting up a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
This is an important step towards bringing more powers, funding and decisions from the government to Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
What is devolution?
Devolution means giving local areas more power to make decisions about the things that matter to local people.
Many decisions are made by the government in Westminster now. Devolution could mean more of these decisions are made locally, by people who know our area and understand its needs.
How could it help our area?
A Mayoral Strategic Authority could give Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent:
- a stronger voice with the government
- more control over transport, skills, jobs, housing and economic growth
- access to more government funding and investment
- more opportunities for local people, communities and businesses.
The area would also have an elected mayor. The mayor could speak up for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, help bring investment into the area and work with councils to support local jobs and growth.
What does this decision mean?
The government’s decision means that discussions can now begin. It does not mean that all the details have been agreed.
Councils across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will work with government to explore what an agreement could look like and how it could benefit the area.
Nothing will change straight away. We will continue to provide the services people use every day.
A Mayoral Strategic Authority would work alongside local councils. It would not replace them.
What happens next?
Councils will now begin discussions with government.
If an agreement is reached, a new Mayoral Strategic Authority could be set up in September 2027. The first election for a mayor could then take place in May 2028.