Purpose

To consider the Council’s
Local Government Reorganisation proposal.

Decision

Council recommended:
 
That Cabinet approves the preferred option, a
three unitary model to cover Staffordshire and Stokeon-Trent, as
set out in the full submission document at Appendix 1.
 
That Cabinet delegates finalising the full
submission document to the Leader of the Council, in consultation
with the Chief Executive, prior to submitting to Government by the
28 November 2025 deadline.

Reasons for the decision

In December 2024, the Government published a
White Paper (Power and Partnership: Foundations for Growth) setting
out their plans for devolution and Local Government Reorganisation
(‘the White Paper’) alongside the process for
determining the future structure of local government in two tier
areas, and their timetable for its implementation.
 
The reasons Government gave for a need for
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in areas like Staffordshire
are rooted in both efficiency goals and its broader devolution
ambitions:
• Government is seeking to create
simpler, clearer local government structures that are easier for
residents to understand and navigate.
• Their view is clearly that the current
two-tier system leads to confusion and duplication of services.
• Equally, reorganisation is expected to
unlock efficiency savings by reducing administrative overheads and
streamlining service delivery.
• It is also believed that a single-tier
system will enhance local democratic accountability, with clearer
lines of responsibility for services.
• LGR aligns with the goals of the
Government’s English Devolution White Paper and the
Devolution Priority Programme.
• Then, larger unitary authorities are
expected to provide stronger regional leadership, better strategic
planning, and more effective use of resources.
 
Local authorities in two-tier areas were
invited to submit initial proposals for Local Government
Reorganisation by 21 March 2025, with final proposals to be
submitted in November.
 
Lichfield District Council worked with
neighbouring authorities (Cannock Chase, South Staffordshire,
Stafford, Tamworth and East Staffordshire) in the development of an
interim plan, which Council endorsed at its meeting on 18 March
2025.
 
Following the submission of the Interim Plan,
the Council continued to work with neighbouring authorities on
developing a detailed evidence base and investigating our options
for LGR. This has led to a preferred option being identified and
this paper introduces it, our final proposal, for Council’s
endorsement before Cabinet meets to formally determine the best
option for the residents of our district.
 
Final proposals must be submitted to
Government by 28 November 2025.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing - The Secretary of State retains
the power to implement reorganisation even if councils do not
submit proposals.
 
Support another option – The three
unitary proposal, with two unitaries covering
the south of the county, is the only option
that will preserve the “local touch” that
people value: services designed around local
needs, councillors who listen, and
greater accountability. This option also
provides clear opportunities for saving
money, removing duplication, simplifying
services, and maintaining the character
and traditions of our communities