We, together with South Staffordshire Council and Tamworth Borough Council have announced our shared intention to submit a joint proposal to Government calling for the creation of three balanced, community-focused unitary councils across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
The proposal responds directly to the views of local residents and businesses, with more than 16,700 people across southern and mid-Staffordshire taking part in one of the largest engagement exercises ever carried out in the county. The results show 75% of respondents support a move to three smaller councils, a model that keeps decision-making close to communities while ensuring services are efficient, financially sustainable and easier to access.
Under the proposed model, the current ten councils across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent would be replaced by three new unitary authorities, each responsible for all local services – from waste collection and planning to social care and education – under one council. The proposed areas are:
- Lichfield, Tamworth and East Staffordshire (population 322,708)
- Cannock Chase, Stafford and South Staffordshire (population 360,067)
- Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent (population 494,803)
The model reflects how people in southern Staffordshire live, work and travel, maintaining local identity while ensuring councils are large enough to meet modern financial and service demands.
Crucially, the proposal would deliver significant cost savings across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent by reducing duplication, simplifying governance and streamlining service delivery.
Independent financial analysis shows that creating two unitary councils in the south will deliver recurring annual savings of more than £15 million by Year 3, with a northern unitary expected to deliver additional savings. Our analysis also identifies the potential for further efficiencies of up to £22 million possible through more localised and prevention-focused services.
The model achieves a payback period of less than four years, creating a sustainable financial footing and allowing future reinvestment into frontline services, community support and local infrastructure.
Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said:
“Our residents have told us clearly that they want councils which stay local, visible and connected. Councils that understand their communities and make decisions that reflect local priorities.This proposal delivers exactly that. It creates councils that are financially sustainable and efficient but also close enough to know the people and places they serve. It’s about building a model of local government that protects our identities, strengthens our voice, and delivers the best outcomes for our residents.”
Councillor Carol Dean, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said:
"The people of Tamworth have spoken clearly, and we've listened. This proposal delivers exactly what our residents told us they want - a council that understands our town, protects what makes Tamworth special, and keeps decision-making in the hands of people who know our communities."We can deliver on the government's agenda for more efficient local government while ensuring Tamworth's voice remains strong and our local identity is preserved. This isn't about creating distant bureaucracies - it's about building a council that's big enough to be resilient and deliver quality services, but small enough to truly understand and respond to what matters most to our residents and businesses”
Councillor Kath Perry MBE, Leader of South Staffordshire Council, said:
“This proposal is built on what our communities have told us they need; local services that are responsive, accountable, and unique to local community needs. It’s the right decision for communities in South Staffordshire. By creating councils that are closer to the people they serve, we’re safeguarding the future of public services and ensuring they continue to support growth, wellbeing, and prosperity for years to come.”
The three-unitary model offers councils that are big enough to be efficient and resilient, yet small enough to understand local needs. It simplifies local services by removing duplication, improves accountability, and supports strategic collaboration across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent where it adds value.
The three councils’ joint proposal will be considered by their respective Cabinets and Full Councils on Tuesday 4 November, before being presented to Government later that month.