Three southern Staffordshire councils have unveiled a local government reorganisation plan aimed at creating three new unitary authorities.

Under the proposals, one authority would cover Lichfield, Tamworth, and East Staffordshire with a population of over 322,000, while a second would serve Cannock Chase, Stafford, and South Staffordshire (360,000). The third authority would encompass Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands, and Stoke-on-Trent, serving nearly 495,000 residents.

The councils behind the plan – Lichfield District Council, South Staffordshire Council, and Tamworth Borough Council – said it reflects the views of 16,700 local residents consulted earlier this year, with 75% supporting a move to three smaller councils.

Officials argue the reorganisation would deliver significant cost savings across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, potentially up to £22m, by reducing duplication, streamlining services, and simplifying governance.

Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council, said: ‘Our residents have told us clearly that they want councils which stay local, visible and connected. Councils that understand their communities and make decisions that reflect local priorities.

‘This proposal delivers exactly that. It creates councils that are financially sustainable and efficient but also close enough to know the people and places they serve.’

There are a few different proposals for local government reorganisation in the county, including an east-west split backed by the county council and a north-south division supported by Stoke-on-Trent and a number of southern districts.

If you want to learn more about local government reorganisation (LGR), then check out the latest in our 'Need to Know' series: Local Government Reorganisation: What It Means and Why It Matters.