Shaping the future of local government in Staffordshire: Our proposal explained
All Staffordshire councils have been asked by government to submit plans for how local councils in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent could be organised in the future.
To achieve the best possible outcome for our residents and businesses, we have analysed all options in detail.
Following extensive engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders, our plan is to create two unitary authorities in southern Staffordshire, complemented by a third unitary in the north.
This proposal will:
- Keep decision making closer to communities
- Give stronger local representation
- Provide locally-tailored leadership
- Allow for real change
- Enhance democratic representation
We had 16,700 responses to our LGR survey – with 75% of South Staffordshire residents opting for the creation of two unitary authorities in the south of the county.
The top three priorities identified by respondents for the new councils were:
- Keeping services based on local needs – 73%
- Local councillors that listen – 63%
- Saving money while keeping services running – 54%
See the full proposal here: https://flippingbook.com/account/online/568848040
Digital First Engagement at the Verint Inspire Awards!
South Staffordshire Council is proud to announce its success at a prestigious national awards event at The Gherkin in London, celebrating excellence in digital services.
Out of 108 entries from across the country, our council was shortlisted in two highly competitive categories – a remarkable achievement that highlights our commitment to putting residents first.
We were recognised for:
- Driving Digital First Engagement – where we proudly won Silver.
- Supercharged Self-Service – shortlisted alongside major organisations such as Currys and Philips.
These nominations reflect the incredible progress we’ve made in transforming how residents interact with council services. Through our “Digital by Choice” approach, an impressive 86% of residents now use digital channels instead of traditional methods – making it quicker and easier to access the services you need.
Innovation is at the heart of this success. From the ‘My Login’ portal to the My South Staffs mobile app (and soon, our very own chatbot) we’re making sure that engaging with the council is simple, convenient, and accessible for everyone.
This recognition is a testament to the hard work and creativity of teams across the council, all working together to deliver modern, efficient services for our community.
We’re proud to be leading the way in digital transformation and will continue to keep residents at the centre of everything we do.
Festive fun at Francesca’s
The Creating Brighter Futures program has been busy supporting Francesca’s Café in Wombourne, helping the team with staff training as the business continues to grow.
| Council officers put their creativity to the test at the “Paint & Sip Gonk” session – a festive crafting experience created and led by Artistic creator, Billie. Joining in the seasonal fun were Councillor Victoria Wilson and Councillor Daisy Perry.
With a warm drink in hand, they designed and painted their very own Christmas gonks.
The event was a wonderful blend of relaxation and creativity, and the finished gonks were truly impressive!
These sessions are a brilliant way to unwind, meet new people, and take a break from day-to-day stresses.
If you’re looking for something creative, social, and full of festive cheer, we’d highly recommend joining one of Francesca’s upcoming events or simply pop in for a cuppa. |
Community spirit shines through at Sytch Lane Cemetery Bulb Planting event
We’d like to say a huge thank you to the 28 wonderful volunteers who donned waterproofs and wellies to brave the grey, wet weather last Saturday for our community bulb planting event at Sytch Lane Cemetery in Wombourne.
| In spite of the rain, everyone’s enthusiasm and hard work shone through, with hundreds of bulbs planted to bring colour to the grounds this spring.
This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining a Green Flag Award-winning cemetery that is welcoming and peaceful for all who visit.
Look out for more community events at our cemeteries in 2026!
For information about our cemeteries and the services we offer, please visit: 👉 www.sstaffs.gov.uk/bereavement-services
Or contact us:
📞 01902 696111
📧 bereavementservices@sstaffs.gov.uk |
Our Welfare support service visits Huntington Welcome Place
As part of our Welfare support services community roadshow, Karen Riley, Welfare Services Customer Engagement Team Manager, visited Huntington Place of Welcome at St Thomas Church Stafford Road, Huntington on Wednesday, 19th November.
| During the session, residents received guidance on a range of important topics, including housing benefits for pensioners, council tax support, discretionary housing payments, and signposting for attendance allowance and pension credits.
Slow cookers were also distributed to those living on their own or struggling with the cost of living this winter and leaflets shared, detailing the councils’ Warmer Homes program, which offers eligible homeowners and tenants access to boiler upgrades, solar panels and other energy saving measures.
Councillor Ashley commented: “This event was set up to help our local residents and warm space attendees understand and access benefits that they may not have known about. It was a very welcome session.” |
Winner spotlight – £250 prize secured
It’s been a while, but this weekend luck struck for one lottery supporter 🎉
Huge congratulations to Mr L who supports AED Donate and bagged an incredible £250! AED Donate is committed to improving survival from out of hospital cardiac arrests by supporting the placement and use of automated external defibrillators in local communities.
✅ Want to support local good causes?
✅ Or just love the idea of extra cash in your pocket?
Play now at South Staffordshire Community Lottery and join the fun!
Job vacancies
Looking for a new opportunity?
Explore the latest vacancies at South Staffordshire Council and find a role that suits your skills and interests.
Vacancies
- Relief Swimming Instructor, closing on 7th December
All vacancies can be viewed in full and applied for on our recruitment site.
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