Local government reorganisation

Government has announced its decision on the future of your council

Today, the Government announced its decision on the future of local government in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

The approved proposal will see two new unitary councils created across the area. Lichfield District will become part of a new southern unitary council alongside Stafford, East Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Tamworth and South Staffordshire.

This means Lichfield District Council, along with the other existing district, borough and county councils in Staffordshire, will be replaced by the new unitary councils when they are established in April 2028.

What does this mean for you?

The most important thing to know is that there are no immediate changes to the council services you receive.

You don’t need to do anything differently and should continue to access council services in the usual way. Services such as waste and recycling collections, planning, housing, leisure, parks and customer services will all continue as normal while planning for the transition takes place.

Although the council put forward a different proposal during the Government’s consultation, the Government has now made its decision. Our focus is now on working constructively with neighbouring councils and Government to represent the interests of Lichfield District and help ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

What happens next?

Until the new councils are established in April 2028, Lichfield District Council will continue to provide the services it currently delivers.

The new unitary councils will be responsible for all local government services in their area, bringing together the services currently delivered by district, borough and county councils into a single organisation.

Before then:

• Councils will work together to plan the transition.
• Residents will elect councillors for the new councils in May 2027.
• Lichfield District Council will continue delivering services as normal throughout the transition.
• We’ll continue to keep residents informed as more information becomes available.

Statement from our Leader, Cllr Doug Pullen:

“We have always been clear that this was not a change we sought, and throughout this process we put forward the proposal we believed would best serve our residents and communities.

“While today’s decision is not the outcome we preferred, the Government has now made its decision.

“Our priority is to work positively and constructively with our neighbouring councils and Government to ensure the transition is well managed, protect the services residents rely on and make sure the interests of Lichfield District continue to be strongly represented.

“Residents should be reassured that there will be no immediate changes to the services they receive. We remain committed to delivering high-quality services throughout the transition and will continue to keep our communities informed as further information becomes available.”

Visit our dedicated Local Government Reorganisation webpages to:

• Read the council’s response to today’s announcement.
• Find out what today’s decision means for residents.
• View answers to frequently asked questions.
• Learn more about what happens next.

Follow this link for more information:

https://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/council/devolution-local-government-reorganisation