Local government reorganisation proposal

When might this happen?

The Government's intended timeline for decision-making is set out below. It should be noted that this is viewed by Government as an ambitious timeline, so may be subject to change.

  • February 2025 – Government invited councils to submit proposals for local government reorganisation in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
  • From March 2025 – Interim plans were agreed and submitted by local councils
  • November 2025 – Final proposals were submitted to government
  • February 2026 – HM Government’s statutory consultation launched
  • Summer 2026 – Government decision on reorganisation in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
  • May 2027 - Elections to new shadow unitary councils
  • April 2028 – New unitary councils ‘go live’