The government has announced its decision on the future structure of local government across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
It has confirmed that local government in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will move to two new unitary councils.
Under the approved government plans the following councils will be created:
- A new southern unitary council which will serve Stafford, East Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Tamworth and South Staffordshire.
- A new northern unitary council which wiill serve Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Moorlands.
The two new councils will replace the existing county, borough and district councils and are expected to be established in April 2028, following elections to shadow councils in May 2027.
While this is an important milestone, there are no immediate changes to the council services residents receive from Lichfield District Council - services will continue to operate as normal while councils work with government to plan the transition to the new arrangements over the coming months and years.
What does this mean for residents?
For residents, nothing changes immediately following today's announcement. You do not need to take any action and should continue to access council services in the usual way.
Services such as waste and recycling collections, planning, housing, leisure, parks and customer services will continue as normal while councils work with government to plan the transition to the new arrangements over the coming months and years.
We'll continue to keep residents updated as more information becomes available.
