Plans for a new council serving South and Mid-Staffordshire could save taxpayers nearly £30 million a year.
Stafford Borough councillors will discuss the proposal for local government reorganisation ahead of a final business case being sent to Government.
The move follows national legislation which would see all district, borough, city and county councils in Staffordshire replaced by larger unitary authorities.
Under Stafford Borough Council’s preferred option, a new single council would cover the areas of Stafford Borough, Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, South Staffordshire and Tamworth.
Figures included in the report suggest the new authority could save £29.9 million each year while delivering services more efficiently and improving financial stability.
Councillors will hear on Tuesday 11 November that the proposed southern unitary aligns with Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s plans for a single authority in the north – covering Staffordshire Moorlands and Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The business case is due to be submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government by Friday 28 November.
As well as highlighting financial savings, it outlines a number of expected benefits, including smoother transitions for social care and education, a stronger regional voice, and simpler access for residents through one council delivering all services.
The document also stresses the importance of maintaining local identity, with commitments to close working with town and parish councils, and new neighbourhood area committees to reflect community needs.
Elected members will put forward views on the business case – with a final decision to be taken at a meeting of the Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 18 November.
Councillor Aidan Godfrey, Leader of Stafford Borough Council, said:
“We believe the single southern unitary is the best option for the residents and businesses in our area. This will be the biggest change in service delivery in fifty years; it must be right for our communities, not only for now but also in the future.”
He added:
“It will be more financially stable, be able to attract more inward investment and not fragment vital services. The new council will be strong enough to secure Government funding and complement a strong city-led north Staffordshire authority.”
You can read the full proposals on the Stafford Borough Council Website – https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/cme/DocMan1/Committee-Agenda-25-26/Council/Council-11-November-2025-Agenda.pdf
2 comments
Ray Knowles
Could we see how these savings figures are calculated?
Lester Davies
The south Staffordshire split is by far the better option