Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has welcomed the certainty brought by the Government’s announcement of plans for local government reform in the county, but has urged leaders to ensure businesses remain at the heart of the transition.
Following last week’s announcement that Staffordshire’s 10 existing councils will be replaced by two unitary authorities from April 2028, the Chamber said its attention is turning to supporting firms through the changes and ensuring their voices are heard.
The organisation said it is key that the region does not get left behind when it comes to funding.
It will continue working closely with local authority partners and stakeholders throughout the transition, while running Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) drop-in sessions for members over the coming months to keep businesses informed and gather feedback.
Tom Nadin, the Chamber’s Head of Project and Business Services, said: “Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce welcomes the certainty this decision brings after a long period of uncertainty for businesses across the county. Our focus now turns to the practical transition ahead, and we will be working closely with our local authority partners and wider stakeholders to make sure the needs of the business community remain front and centre throughout.
“Our priority is helping firms navigate what comes next, from understanding how services and contracts will transfer, to making sure the business voice isn’t lost as new structures are discussed, established and bed in. We will continue to run our LGR drop-in sessions for members over the coming months to keep businesses informed at every stage, and to gather their views and opinions to feedback.
“Looking ahead, we are committed to working closely with the new authorities as they take shape, championing business interests in areas such as planning, skills and investment, and helping to unlock opportunities for economic growth across the region.
“What matters most now is that our region is not left behind on funding. Neighbouring Combined Authorities already have access to devolved funding streams that we do not and closing that gap has to be a priority for whatever governance arrangements follow. We’ll continue to press Government on this, alongside our push for a Foundational Strategic Authority and a future Staffordshire Strategic Authority, so our businesses can compete on a level playing field.”
Dr Phil Catney, pictured above, Politics Programme Director at Keele University, said the reforms were about more than changing council boundaries.
He said: “Local government reorganisation isn’t glamorous, but it is highly consequential. It is also driven by the ambition to extend meaningful devolution to places like Staffordshire, which have not benefited from it in the way that Manchester or Birmingham have.”
The Government confirmed last week that one new council will serve Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Moorlands, while the second will cover Stafford, East Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Tamworth and South Staffordshire.
Shadow authority elections are expected to take place in May 2027.
- Anyone interested in being involved in the LGR discussion should email Declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
