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 has the Government decided?
The Government has agreed to begin discussions with Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent about setting up a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
This is the start of the process. The final details have not yet been agreed.
What is devolution?
Devolution means moving some powers, funding and decisions from the Government in Westminster to a local area.
It can help decisions to be made closer to the people and communities they affect.
What is a Mayoral Strategic Authority?
A Mayoral Strategic Authority is an organisation led by an elected Mayor. It would bring councils together to work on important issues across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
This could include matters like transport, skills, jobs, housing and economic growth.
Why is this good news?
It could give Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent:
- a stronger voice with the Government
- more control over decisions affecting the area
- access to more Government funding and investment
- more opportunities to support local people, businesses and communities.
It would help local leaders make the case for what the area needs.
Will this mean more funding for the area?
A Mayoral Strategic Authority could provide access to additional Government funding and investment.
The amount of funding and how it could be used would form part of the discussions with the Government.
Will local councils be replaced?
No. A Mayoral Strategic Authority would work alongside local councils, not replace them.
Councils would continue to provide the day-to-day services that residents use.
Will council services change?
There will be no immediate changes to council services because of this announcement.
Councils will continue to provide services such as household bin collections, social care, children’s services, council tax and street cleaning.
Who would the mayor represent?
The mayor would represent the whole of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
The mayor could speak up for the area nationally and help attract new funding, investment and opportunities.
When would the mayor be elected?
If an agreement is reached with the Government, the new authority could be set up in September 2027.
The first election for a mayor could then take place in May 2028. These dates are subject to agreement with the Government.
Is this the same as local government reorganisation?
No. Devolution and local government reorganisation are two different things.
Devolution is about moving powers, funding and decisions from the Government to the local area.
Local government reorganisation is about how councils are set up and structured.
Can people have a say?
The announcement is only the start of the process. Councils will work openly and share more information as the proposals develop.
Details about how people and organisations can get involved will be provided when more information is available.
Where can I find further updates?
Updates will be published on this website as discussions with the Government continue.
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.
The Government confirmed in October 2026 that shadow council elections are likely to take place in May 2028.
What is the timeline for the change?
The Government confirmed in October 2026 that they expect elections to any new councils in May 2028, with new councils up and running in April 2029.
A further update is expected from Government in early 2027.
View the full timeline
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.
You can find more information on the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent LGR hub.
