LDC

Published: 31 July 2025

Dear Councillors,

 

I’m writing to inform you that public engagement on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) has now launched across Southern and Mid Staffordshire, including here in Lichfield District.

As you’ll be aware, this process forms part of a national government programme to replace the current two-tier system of local government in shire areas with unitary councils. These new authorities would deliver all local services, from waste and planning to highways and adult social care under one roof.

 

Staffordshire could be split into a total of 2 or 3 unitary councils, with one being in the North, and then Southern and Mid Staffordshire have 1 or 2 unitary councils. Over recent months, Lichfield District Council has been working closely with five neighbouring councils (Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, South Staffordshire, Stafford and Tamworth) to explore what this could mean for our communities and to look at the feasibility of merging into a single unitary, or two unitary councils.

 

Here at Lichfield District Council, I believe we have cross-party support for having three unitary councils across Staffordshire. We believe this will ensure:

• Closer alignment with community identity and geography for residents
• Local Government remains local, and continues to be visible, accessible and knowledgeable about their patch.
• Better access to and responsiveness from public services, with residents being closer to decision makers and better tailored to the needs of local people.
• This structure allows for stronger, more locally accountable governance while still achieving the efficiencies of reorganisation.

 

While discussions are still ongoing, we have now reached a point where we want to hear directly from residents, businesses and organisations across the district.

 

A public survey has launched today and will run until Monday 1 September 2025. It is a vital part of shaping the full business case we intend to submit to Government this autumn.

👉 Our dedicated webpage with the survey: Devolution and local government reorganisation – What you need to know

 

To support this, we’re running a programme of local engagement, including social media campaigns, community drop-ins, parish briefings, and wider communications. Councillors have a valuable role to play in helping us raise awareness of the survey, support residents with questions, and help ensure as many voices as possible are heard.

 

I’d be grateful if you could share the link within your local networks and encourage participation where appropriate. If you have suggestions for local engagement opportunities or would like additional materials (posters, briefings, FAQs), the communications team will be happy to assist and send over all of our prepared materials.

 

This is a pivotal moment for the future of local government in our area. Thank you, as always, for your support in helping us represent our communities as this work progresses.

 

Best regards,
Cllr Doug Pullen
Leader of Lichfield District Council

Click on this link for more information