Stafford is to get its first town council, after borough councillors voted unanimously in favour of the plan at their full meeting on Tuesday. The town is currently the only part of the Stafford borough without a town or parish council.
The proposed Stafford Town Council would hold its first elections in May 2027, with 19 councillors representing 11 wards. The authority would be legally established in April 2027 to allow preparatory work before elected members take office.
Setting up the new council
Preparatory work ahead of the May 2027 elections will include drafting governance documents, arranging insurance and setting up a bank account.
The town council would raise money through a precept added to residents' council tax bills. For a Band D household, the annual charge is estimated at £38.44.
Why now?
The move to create a town council emerged amid concerns that wider local government reorganisation could weaken Stafford's local identity. In July, plans were unveiled to reorganise local government in Staffordshire by replacing the county's 10 councils with new north and south authorities. Those proposals have since been paused while they are reviewed.
A new town council would also preserve the civic tradition of appointing a mayor, which dates back to 1614.
