Staffordshire to Split Into Two New Unitary Councils

The government has confirmed plans to reorganise local councils across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent into two new unitary councils.

A new northern council will serve Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Moorlands, covering a population of 494,803 people. A separate southern council will cover Stafford, East Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Tamworth and South Staffordshire, serving 682,775 people.

Council Response

Martin Murray, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said the north-south option follows government rules and has clear strengths. He stated the reorganisation is financially viable.

Murray emphasised that residents must see stable services, clear decisions and no unnecessary disruption during the change. The council said it will work with neighbouring councils to implement the reorganisation with residents' needs at the centre of the process.