The government has confirmed that two new unitary councils will replace the ten existing county, city, district and borough councils across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
The decision follows five proposals submitted by councils in November 2025 and a public consultation period that ran from 5 February to 26 March.
When will the changes happen?
The new unitary councils are expected to be established in April 2028. Elections to shadow councils will be held in May 2027.
What about current services?
There will be no immediate changes to council services. Day-to-day services including household waste collection, street cleaning, parks and highways maintenance, children's services and adult social care will continue to be provided as normal.
What comes next
Councils will now work together to develop detailed plans, including arrangements for how services will move to the new councils and how council decisions will be made.
Councillor Martin Murray, Chair of Staffordshire Leaders Board, said councils across the area have expressed different views through the process but are now focused on making the reorganisation work. He added: "We already have strong and well-established partnerships, and all councils are united in our commitment to a smooth transition with no disruption to the services residents rely on."
More information about local government reorganisation is available on the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent LGR Hub.