Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) - update

03.11.2026

Dear Residents

We have received the following from Stafford Borough Council regarding Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR):

Dear Colleagues

I want to update you on the most recent information we have for both Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation following the budget, and meetings we have had with Government ministers.

The Government announced proposals in the budget for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to become a Mayoral Strategic Authority.

You may remember that the leaders of all the councils across the area had written to the Government in support of ‘Devolution’ for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent – and this announcement is an important step on that journey.

As you are aware, Devolution is about giving areas more control over decisions that affect our communities.

A Mayoral Strategic Authority can bring more funding, investment, and powers to areas such as transport, jobs, skills and economic growth.

We are on the start of a process and expect consultation and discussions to take place very soon on what ‘Devolution’ will look like for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

The indications are that the Strategic Authority’ could be set up in Autumn 2027 with an election for the Mayor in May 2028.

Local Government Reorganisation.

As you know, ‘LGR’ had been paused while the Government examined the decisions for the reorganisation in a number of areas – including Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

The original decision was for two new unitary councils – one in the north and the other in the south – to replace all the existing eight district and borough councils, the county council and city council.

Yesterday (02.11.2026), we were told that the original decision has been withdrawn while a wider review takes place. The Government stress that they are still committed to LGR and will update us on an outcome of their review in early 2027.

It would be expected that new unitaries would be in place in April 2029 – with elections to the shadow authorities in May 2028.

Finally, they have confirmed the elections in May 2027 will go ahead on the existing council boundaries.

Kind Regards

Aidan Godfrey

Leader of Stafford Borough Council