Councils across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have established two voluntary joint committees to oversee the creation of two new unitary authorities, following the government's decision to replace the existing ten councils in the area.
Council services will continue to be delivered as normal during the planning period. The changes will not affect day-to-day services residents receive.
How the joint committees will work
One voluntary joint committee will be created for each future council area. Each committee will include elected members from the councils in that area, ensuring all local authorities are represented in planning for the new unitary authorities.
Although joint committees will eventually be required as part of the legal process, councils chose to establish them now on a voluntary basis so planning could begin sooner. The committees will oversee planning for the new councils and help ensure the transition is managed effectively until shadow authorities are set up after elections in May 2027.
Leadership of the reorganisation programme
Patrick Flaherty, Chief Executive of Staffordshire County Council, has been appointed by the government as Senior Responsible Officer for the reorganisation programme. He will be supported by Jon Rouse, Chief Executive of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, as Deputy SRO for North Staffordshire.
Andy O'Brien, Chief Executive of East Staffordshire Borough Council, and Stephen Gabriel, Chief Executive of Tamworth Borough Council, will share the role of Deputy SRO for South and Mid Staffordshire. Simon Fletcher, Chief Executive of Lichfield District Council, will provide oversight and assurance across the programme as Assurance Deputy SRO.
Together, they will lead the Implementation Team, made up of the Chief Executives of the ten existing councils and the Programme Director, overseeing the work needed to create the two new councils.
Council leaders' statement
Councillor Martin Murray, Chair of the Staffordshire Leaders Board, said the government's decision means a substantial programme of change must be delivered within a challenging timescale. "We are getting on with the work needed to ensure that the new councils are ready to serve residents effectively from day one," he said.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, Vice Chair of the Staffordshire Leaders Board, added: "This work is about making sure the transition to the new councils is carefully planned and well managed. By establishing the committees now, councils can continue" with coordinated planning and decision-making.
