Devolution and local government reorganisation

On 16 December 2024, the government published a white paper on a national programme of devolution and reform to local government. 

The government asked councils in Staffordshire to submit an interim proposal(s) for local government reorganisation by 21 March 2025, with a full proposal by 28 November 2025.

This page provides the latest information for what this means for Lichfield District. 

The latest

Please note this page will be updated regularly with updates.

On Tuesday 3 June, we received feedback from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) about the interim plan for local government reorganisation on behalf of southern and mid-Staffordshire authorities submitted on the 21 March. 

See the full Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government feedback letter. 

What does this mean?

The intentions and proposals from government remain unchanged.

The letter gives further clarity on what information and data should be included in the full business case submission, which needs to be sent to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government by 28 November 2025.

Next steps

We’re already working collaboratively with councils across Staffordshire and will continue to do so as we develop the full business case that addresses these points.

Why is local government reform and devolution being proposed?

The government’s long-term vision is for simpler structures, which make it much clearer for residents who they should look to on local issues, with more strategic decisions to unlock growth and deliver better services for communities. The government believes that devolution over a large strategic geography, alongside local government reorganisation, can drive economic growth while delivering optimal public services.

What is devolution?

Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government. It helps ensure that more decisions are made locally and closer to the communities and businesses they affect.

And what is local government reorganisation?

In the white paper, the government has said it wants to devolve more powers from national to local government and to reorganise local government across England by replacing county and district councils, consolidating the services they provide, with unitary authorities. This is likely to result in fewer, larger authorities across the country.

When will the reorganisation take place?

This is an outline of the timeline provided by the Government in the white paper. It included proposed and confirmed dates at current:

What would local government reorganisation mean for Lichfield District?

In Lichfield District, we have been asked to put together initial proposals to create a new Unitary Authority that covers a population of 500,000. 

Currently, our Lichfield District covers a population of just over 110,000 and so it will see an end to current two-tier areas where services are delivered via different councils – such as Lichfield District Council and Staffordshire County Council – with a single body representing around 500,000 residents instead. A larger new unitary authority will have new powers and responsibilities, i.e. education and social care, that we didn’t have any control over before.

The shape of local government is yet to be determined. Counties which have county and district councils, have been invited by government to submit proposals for becoming unitary authorities. But the decision on how local government will be structured in Staffordshire and Lichfield will lie with central government.

Are parish and town councils affected?

Parish and town councils will not be affected structurally by the changes. They will not be abolished.

You can find a list of our Parish councils here

Will the loss of district councils affect the level of community engagement?

Lichfield District Council has not sought these changes but we must engage fully to ensure the best outcome for our residents. 

Any proposal must be guided by four guiding principles; first and foremost, our proposal must be focused on the best outcome for our residents. Secondly, any emerging local authority must remain close, relevant and accountable to the communities it serves.

We also believe that local democracy matters, so our third guiding principle is that any new unitary authority should have wards small enough for councillors to remain visible, accessible and knowledgeable about their patch.

Finally, councils should be based on areas that share an ambition to build on their common economic interests.

Our residents and businesses are at the heart of everything we do. We are working closely with authorities from across Staffordshire to seek the best outcomes for Lichfield District residents and to ensure our proposal helps achieve our ambitions for them.

What stage are we at?

At this stage, we are exploring the best options and will continue to work on a preferred proposal prior to final submissions in November 2025 that delivers on the Government’s criteria, whilst also meeting our guiding principles.

On Friday 21st March, we submitted an initial proposal for a Southern and Mid Staffordshire Unitary Authority. You can read the initial submission here.