Residents and businesses urged not to miss their chance to help shape how local services are run for generations to come
With just one week remaining, councils across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are urging residents, businesses and community groups to take part in the government’s consultation on the future of local government in the area. The deadline is Thursday 26 March.
The consultation is asking people for their views on proposals that would replace the existing county, district, borough and city councils with a smaller number of new ‘unitary’ councils. These would be single organisations responsible for delivering all local services in a given area, from social care and planning to bin collections, cemeteries and roads.
Five separate proposals are open for consultation. The government will consider the consultation responses before making a final decision, currently expected summer 2026.
The changes represent the most significant reorganisation of local government in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent in more than 50 years. New unitary councils would not come into being until April 2028 at the earliest, and existing councils will continue to deliver services as normal in the meantime.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to influence how local services are delivered across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent for decades to come. The consultation is open to everyone. With just days left to respond, we’re calling on residents, businesses and community organisations to make sure their voice is heard.
“The proposals under consideration impact communities in different ways. Whatever the outcome, this process will shape the councils that serve our communities for generations. It matters that as many people as possible take part.”
— Martin Murray, Chair, Staffordshire Leaders’ Board
“People across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have a real stake in how their local area is served, and this consultation gives everyone the chance to feed into that decision. I’d encourage people not to leave it too late. Take a look at the proposals and share your thoughts before the deadline”
— Jane Ashworth, Vice Chair, Staffordshire Leaders’ Board
The consultation closes at midnight on Thursday 26 March 2026. People can read all five proposals and submit their views online at www.staffordshirestokeLGR.org.uk
Notes to editors
Local government reorganisation (LGR) is a national government programme to simplify council structures across England. It replaces two-tier systems, where county and district or borough councils share responsibilities, with single-tier ‘unitary’ authorities.
Five proposals for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have been submitted for the government’s consideration. Full details of each proposal are available at www.staffordshirestokeLGR.org.uk.
The government is expected to announce its decision on the preferred option in Summer 2026. Any new unitary councils would not come into operation until April 2028 at the earliest.
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