Local government reorganisation proposal

When might this happen?

The government's intended timeline for decision-making is set out below.

Please note: this is viewed by the 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’