LGR - Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between devolution and local government reorganisation?
- Devolution gives local areas more powers and money from government.
- Local government reorganisation is about changing the number or structure of councils.
These are two separate processes, although they may happen at the same time.
Devolution FAQs
What is a Foundation Strategic Authority?
A Foundation Strategic Authority, or FSA, is a new type of local authority partnership offered by the government.
It would give our area extra powers and funding which means that more decisions about things that affect you will be made locally.
These are additional powers that existing councils cannot access on their own.
What could be the benefits for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent?
If we had an FSA, our area could:
- Get extra money to help grow jobs and businesses
- Make better decisions about buses and transport
- Have more control over training and skills, such as adult learning
- Help people with specialist employment needs
- Work with Homes England on new homes and regeneration
- Work more closely with government on major projects, including rail
- Have a stronger say in the skills local employers need
Why does this matter?
These extra powers could help us:
- Bring in more jobs and investment
- Improve transport and travel
- Give people better chances to learn new skills
- Make decisions that suit our local area
How could it affect local councils and services?
The FSA would sit alongside local councils, not replace them.
It would not run day-to-day council services such as household bin collections, social care, children’s services and street cleaning.
Does this mean councils will be merged?
No. Devolution and local government reorganisation are two separate processes.
Will anything change straight away?
No. There are no immediate changes to councils or the services they provide.
What happens next?
We expect that there will be a public consultation where you can share your views. We will share more information about how to take part.
How long could it take?
We don’t know yet.
After the consultation, the government will consider the responses and decide whether to go ahead with the FSA or not.
If the government decide to approve the FSA, it could be set up by April 2027.
Will we get an elected Mayor?
Not at this stage. FSAs do not include a mayor. A mayor would only be needed if the area later moved to a Mayoral Strategic Authority, which would be a separate decision.
Who decides if we get an FSA?
The government.
Why are Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent doing this together?
The area has over one million residents, shared transport links, and a connected economy, so it makes sense to work together.
LGR FAQs
What is happening?
The government has decided to change how local councils are organised in our area. This will be done through a process called local government reorganisation, or LGR.
Why is this happening?
This change has been decided by the government. The aim is to:
- Make councils simpler and easier to understand
- Improve how services are run
- Make better use of public money
What is a unitary council?
A unitary council is a single council responsible for all local services in its area. In the current two-tier system in parts of Staffordshire, responsibilities are divided between the county council and district or borough councils.
What is a shadow council?
A shadow council is elected before the new council formally comes into effect. Shadow councillors make key decisions needed to prepare the new council, including decisions about senior leadership arrangements. Shadow council elections are likely to take place in May 2027.
For Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, the new councils come into effect in April 2028. This is called vesting day.
What is the timeline for the change?
Under the government’s timetable, the new councils are expected to be established in April 2028, with elections to shadow councils held in May 2027.
What does this mean for me?
Nothing will change straight away, and you should keep using council services in the same way.
When changes are made in the future, we will let you know in good time.
Will residents be consulted as part of the change?
As part of developing the business case, we engaged with residents, running eight in-depth focus group sessions across the county.
The government also ran a statutory consultation which closed on 26 March 2026.
Where can I get more information?
You can find more information on the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent LGR hub.
