LRG Timeline of activity
December 2024
The government published the English Devolution White Paper, setting out plans to reform local government in England.
February 2026
The government asked councils in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to consider taking part in the next stage of devolution.
March 2026
All ten councils sent a joint response to government confirming they were interested in devolution and ready to establish a Foundation Strategic Authority.
July 2026
The government decided there will be two new unitary councils.
North Staffordshire
Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Moorlands.
Population: 494,803.
South Staffordshire
Stafford, East Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Tamworth and South Staffordshire.
Population: 682,775.
The new councils will use the existing district, borough and city council boundaries.
Late summer / early autumn 2026
The government will provide more details about the process, timeline and next steps.
The area may also establish Joint Committees to help manage the transition.
Late 2026
The government will begin the Structural Change Order (SCO) process which will legally establish the new councils and abolish the existing councils.
May 2027
Elections will be held for shadow councils. Shadow councillors will make key decisions needed to prepare the new councils.
Summer 2027
Interim senior officers will be appointed, including:
- Interim Chief Executive
- Interim Finance Officer
- Interim Monitoring Officer
These officers will support the transition process.
April 2028
Vesting Day.
The new councils will be fully established and responsible for delivering all local government services
