Local Government Reorganisation
Update 8 September, 2026 - The Government has announced that it has decided to pause the Local Government Reorganisation process. The plans for staffordshire will not now go ahead.
Published: 16 July 2026
The government has confirmed its final decision on local government reorganisation in Staffordshire.
This historic change will dissolve existing county, district, and borough councils, replacing them with two new unitary authorities. This marks the end of a local government system that has operated in Staffordshire since 1974.
The New Unitary Councils
The restructuring will establish two distinct administrative areas based on existing boundaries:
- South and Mid Staffordshire Unitary Council: Covering Stafford, East Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Tamworth, and South Staffordshire.
- North Staffordshire Unitary Council: Covering Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and Staffordshire Moorlands.
Under the new arrangements Yarnfield and Cold Meece Parish Council will be part of the South and Mid Staffordshire Unitary Council.
Key Transition Timeline
- May 2027: Elections will be held for the new shadow unitary councils.
- 1 April 2028: The new councils will officially take over all local services.
Further details are available here – https://staffordshirestokelgr.org.uk/.