The government has confirmed that Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will have two new unitary councils in future, replacing the current ten county, city, district and borough councils across the area.
The new unitary councils will use the existing district, borough and city council boundaries. Under the government's timetable, the councils are expected to be established in April 2028, with elections to shadow councils held in May 2027.
What prompted the decision
The decision follows five proposals submitted by councils in November 2025, and a public consultation that ran from 5 February to 26 March.
Services to continue as normal
There will be no immediate changes to council services. Day-to-day services including household waste collection, street cleaning, parks and highways maintenance, children's services and adult social care will continue to be provided normally.
What councils say
Councillor Martin Murray, Chair of Staffordshire Leaders Board, said councils have expressed different views through the process, but all are now focused on making the new structure work. "We already have strong and well-established partnerships, and all councils are united in our commitment to a smooth transition with no disruption to the services residents rely on," he said.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, Vice Chair of Staffordshire Leaders Board, said councils will now work together to develop detailed plans, including arrangements for how services will move to the new councils and how council decisions will be made.
More information about local government reorganisation is available on the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent LGR Hub.