'An economic driver for the South of the county' - Staffordshire councils write to central government with a unified plan

In response to the government’s white paper on English Devolution, local authorities are required to submit their initial preference to Jim McMahon, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution before final submissions are made in November this year.

The letter has been signed by six council leaders including those from Cannock Chase District Council, Lichfield District Council, South Staffordshire District Council and Stafford Borough Council.

They have worked together on a proposal for a unitary authority for Southern and Mid Staffordshire which could include up to six districts to include East Staffordshire Borough Council and Tamworth Borough Council.

At the same time, the six councils will analyse whether two unitary authorities can be constructed across its geography.

The proposal for Southern Staffordshire is inter-related to a similar proposal that has been suggested for a unitary authority covering the north of the county.

It prioritises the delivery of high quality and sustainable public services and is made up of the ‘building blocks’ of the existing districts and boroughs to empower communities. 

To help shape it, a comprehensive programme of engagement with residents, businesses and key partners will be delivered between now and the final proposal.

The leader of Cannock Chase District Council, Councillor Tony Johnson, said: “This will be six councils working together on a proposal to establish a new authority for the south of the county. 

"The residents and businesses of Cannock Chase will be best served by a southern alliance - and they must be the priority in any decision we make.

"These six councils together will provide for a strong cohesive and sustainable body.”

The leader of South Staffordshire District Council, councillor Kath Perry MBE, said: “My commitment is to work closely with the other leaders on the proposals. 

"My priority will always be to ensure that our residents receive the best possible services, delivered as close to our communities as possible. "

"Close working with the distinct localities of South Staffordshire District is a fundamental aspect of our identity, and we wish to protect this as we move to a new model of local government within the county.

The leader of Stafford Borough Council, Councillor Aidan Godfrey, said: “This will be a South Staffordshire unitary which retains our existing boundaries and will be an economic driver for the south.

" Most importantly it will be a unitary established by six willing councils who are united in putting this forward and will be the best option for the people and communities of Stafford Borough.”

The councils will continue to work together on the detail of their proposal for a Southern Staffordshire Unitary before final submissions are made.

The final decision will be taken by central government with the earliest changes expected to be fully implemented in 2028.