Stafford Residents Urged to Have Their Say on New Town Council Proposal

Stafford residents are being asked to have their say on whether the town should establish its own town council, as the area remains the only unparished part of Stafford Borough amid major upcoming changes to local government.

The consultation, launched by Stafford Borough Council, follows concerns that the planned abolition of the current borough council in 2028 — as part of government-driven local government reorganisation in Staffordshire — could leave residents in the town centre without dedicated local representation. Under proposals being considered across the region, the borough would be absorbed into a larger unitary authority, potentially reducing community-level decision-making.

A recent report by the borough council recommended a Community Governance Review to explore creating a new town council. This would cover the unparished area of Stafford, along with the existing parished area of Doxey, serving approximately 49,000 residents. If approved, elections for the new councillors could take place in 2027.

Letters are being sent to households in the affected areas, inviting views on the proposals. The six-week consultation runs until Sunday, 22 March 2026. Residents can respond online via the council's dedicated page at staffordbc.gov.uk/your-say-new-town-council-stafford, or through other means outlined in the correspondence. Businesses, organisations, and community groups serving the town are also encouraged to participate.

Council leader Aidan Godfrey urged everyone to engage: "The views of people who live in the town will help shape draft recommendations that the borough council will consider. It's important that residents make sure their voices are heard on this significant local issue."

A parish or town council represents the most local tier of government in England. It can handle services such as maintaining parks, community events, street lighting in certain areas, and other local initiatives, often working alongside higher-tier authorities.

The move comes against the backdrop of broader reorganisation debates in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, where multiple proposals for new unitary structures are under government consultation. Officials argue that a town council could help preserve closer-to-home governance and even maintain long-standing local traditions in Stafford.

Residents are encouraged to review the full details and submit feedback before the deadline to influence the future shape of local democracy in the county town. For more information, visit the Stafford Borough Council website or contact them directly.