We have welcomed the Government's decision to withdraw its previous decision on local government reorganisation in Staffordshire.
In an announcement to Parliament yestaerday (29 October), Local Government Minister Jim McMahon confirmed that the Government has withdrawn its July decision to replace Staffordshire's existing councils with two larger unitary authorities.
All proposals remain under consideration as the Government reviews the options for Staffordshire.
Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said:
“We did not ask for local government reorganisation, and we have never supported the case for imposing it on Staffordshire. However, we have always been prepared to work constructively with the Government to secure the best outcome for our residents.
“Instead, we have seen a process that has become shambolic. Councils have been told to prepare for change, then to pause, and now the decision itself has been withdrawn. This continued uncertainty makes it incredibly difficult to plan for future services, budgets and staffing.
“We welcome the withdrawal of the two-unitary decision, which we have consistently opposed. If reorganisation is to proceed, we firmly believe the three-unitary proposal offers a better balance between effective services and keeping councils connected to their communities.
“We remain willing to work with ministers, but they must now provide clarity and a credible way forward. Our residents deserve better than continued uncertainty.”
The Government expects to announce further decisions by early 2027, with elections to new councils scheduled for May 2028 and the new authorities taking over in April 2029.
There are no immediate changes to council services, which will continue to operate as normal.