In December 2024, the UK Government published its English Devolution White Paper—Power and Partnership: Foundations for Growth—laying out two distinct but intertwined ambitions: devolution and local government reorganisation. Devolution means transferring decision-making power from central government to “strategic authority areas,” enabling more locally tailored economic and social policy. Meanwhile, local government reorganisation aims to simplify the current two-tier system—where Staffordshire County Council and local district/borough councils each deliver services—into larger, more streamlined unitary authorities.
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Tamworth’s Voice in the Debate: A Two-Unitary Solution
Rather than support a single county-wide authority as proposed by Staffordshire County Council, Tamworth Borough Council advocates for splitting Staffordshire into two unitary authorities—each serving approximately 500,000 to 600,000 residents. This “two-unitary” model, according to Council Leader Carol Dean, balances scale and efficiency while preserving local representation and community responsiveness.
In March 2025, Tamworth joined five other district councils in submitting an interim proposal to the Ministry of State for Local Government and Devolution. That joint plan included a vision for a united Southern and Mid Staffordshire authority encompassing all six councils.
What’s Next—and How Businesses Can Be Involved
The formal timetable now sees detailed proposals being developed and submitted by November 28 2025, following initial approval by Cabinet and a strategic investment of up to £100,000 from the Transformation Reserve to support the process. A public consultation is expected in 2026, with new unitary authorities set to come into effect by spring 2028.
Businesses in Tamworth are encouraged to stay informed and get involved. Your insight—on how services, planning, infrastructure, and economic development could be better shaped under a new governance structure—is vital. Engagement opportunities such as surveys, drop-in events, and briefings (like those in August 2025 at Sacred Heart Church and Ankerside Shopping Centre) are being organised.
Why It Matters to You
Better coordination: A single unitary council could streamline service delivery—from waste collection and road maintenance to business regulation and support.
Stronger local leadership: A governance structure closer to Tamworth’s specific needs helps ensure local business concerns are not overlooked.
Your voice shapes the future: By participating now, businesses help shape the emerging structures—making sure they support economic resilience and growth.