Stone will stay grouped with Stafford Borough and neighbouring councils when local government is reorganised across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, the government has confirmed.

Stone will become part of a new south Staffordshire unitary council, alongside Stafford, East Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Tamworth and South Staffordshire.

Two-Council Model

The government has chosen a two-council structure, replacing the current two-tier system of Staffordshire County Council and the county's district and borough councils, along with Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

The new councils will use existing district, borough and city boundaries.

Timeline and Transition

The decision follows five competing proposals submitted in November 2025 and a government consultation that ran from 5 February to 26 March 2026.

Shadow councils will be elected in May 2027, with the new authorities officially taking over in April 2028.

For residents, there will be no immediate changes to council services during the transition. Waste collections, street cleaning, parks, highways maintenance, children's services and adult social care will all continue as normal.

Council Response

Councillor Martin Murray, Chair of the Staffordshire Leaders Board, said councils across the area expressed different views during the process but were 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.

In his role as leader of Staffordshire County Council, Councillor Murray acknowledged the north-south structure was not the authority's preferred option but said it follows government rules and is financially viable long-term.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, Vice Chair of the Staffordshire Leaders Board, said the priority was ensuring residents, communities and partners continued to have confidence in everyday services during the change.

Councils across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will now begin preparing detailed transition plans.