Stoke-on-Trent City Council has said it will support a new North Staffordshire Council as part of the reorganisation of local government.
A position paper published today sets out the case for a new local authority covering the existing councils of Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and Staffordshire Moorlands.
It comes as ministers are demanding that existing county councils and district councils – as well as smaller unitary councils that sit alongside them – are replaced with a single tier of evenly-sized councils with a population of at least 500,000.
While the city council was not pursuing reorganisation, it has said it will recognise and is ready to ‘fully embrace’ the opportunities that devolution can bring to North Staffordshire.
The local authority has said it believes a new North Staffordshire Council could provide the springboard for a North Staffordshire powerhouse through better strategic planning and support for key growth industries – while enhancing local decision-making and protecting the unique identity of the area’s diverse towns.
The position paper is due to go to the city’s cabinet for approval at the end of the month, to recommend onward consideration by full council.
Council Leader Jane Ashworth, pictured above, said: “A North Staffordshire council not only best fits what the government is asking for – it also makes perfect economic sense.
“North Staffordshire already operates as a single economic, social and environmental unit. Having a single council would mean better strategic decision-making and better support for the industries and sectors that will drive our shared growth.
“It would mean more efficient local government, with fewer – but more powerful – councillors. It would mean taking the power out of the hands of Whitehall bureaucrats and giving it to local people.
“Any North Staffordshire council would be a partnership between its constituent parts, with a stronger voice for local towns.
“Not change is not an option. Our message, and our vision, is simple: this is our chance to build a true North Staffordshire powerhouse. Let’s take it.”
The government also wants new Strategic Authorities to be put in place, covering two or more of the new councils. Those Strategic Authorities which have directly-elected mayors will get significantly more power over critical areas like skills, transport and planning.
Existing councils have been asked to come up with a “best-fit” solution – with ministers ready to mediate if local areas cannot agree.
The government has asked areas to suggest interim proposals for their areas by 21 March and final proposals by 28 November. Reorganisation is then expected to take place in two waves – with Staffordshire in the second wave, which is scheduled to take place in 2028.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s Leader Simon Tagg, pictured above, has already spoken out against plans to merge local authorities in Staffordshire amid fears that a larger council would not prioritise the borough.
The city council’s position paper points out that that North Staffordshire already functions as a single coherent economic, social and environmental geography and it argues that a combined unitarity council could lead to greater efficiency, better strategic decisions and “better services at a lower cost to local taxpayers.”
But it adds that the unique nature of North Staffordshire – with many different towns and communities, each with a distinct identity and strengths – means any North Staffordshire council would need to enhance local decision-making and tap into these strengths.
The paper demonstrates how North Staffordshire is a strong travel-to-work area and points out that many businesses already work and trade on a North Staffordshire footprint.
Stoke-on-Trent South MP Allison Gardner has welcomed the proposals for a North Staffordshire unitary authority, with backing also coming from some members of the business sector including Managing Director of First Bus Zoe Hands and Lucideon Chief Executive Tony Kinsella.
John Howe, Managing Director of Michelin UK, said: “North Staffordshire has a lot to offer business – and if devolution is delivered effectively by the government, it gives us the opportunity to strengthen that offer.
“Devolution should allow us to develop coherent strategies, policies and incentives tailored to the needs of existing businesses in this area, at the same time as allowing us to develop a more co-ordinated approach to attracting inward investment.”
Responding to the position paper announcement, Rachel Laver, CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, pictured above, said: “We recognise the urgent need for a devolution deal. Staffordshire requires the right investment to thrive, yet our businesses are telling us that support currently feels like a postcode lottery, with some businesses not receiving the help they need.
“It’s essential to remember that businesses don’t recognise boundaries—they simply need the resources and support to grow. Devolution offers us the strength that comes from unity, and Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is fully committed to collaborating with local businesses, politicians, and authorities to ensure a smooth transition and deliver the best possible outcomes for businesses across our region.”
This is like a trailer to a disaster movie. Jane Ashworth starring as the Manchurian Candidate. ‘Not Change’ is the only option.
Now if you want to be really adventurous, Crewe should also be included in this single socio-economic unitary authority – but it would take that long to agree a name we would likely be in the next ice age.