The Government has agreed to initiate talks on granting the area greater control over key areas including transport, skills, housing, and economic growth. A proposed Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) could empower local leaders to make more decisions affecting the region, working alongside existing councils without immediate changes to services for residents or staff.
Councillor Hayley Coles, Acting Leader of Staffordshire County Council, expressed optimism, stating, "Today's announcement is great news for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. It is a chance for us to have a stronger voice and more say over the important decisions that affect us. We want Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to get a fair deal, and we will ensure that devolution works for the whole of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, with the benefits felt by all our communities, residents and businesses. We know our area best, and this is an opportunity to shape our own future."
Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, added, "This is an important step forward in giving Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire the powers and funding we deserve to shape our future. Without an MSA we would inevitably have to watch other places get more, simply because they have a mayor and we do not. An MSA puts us at the head of the pack. We know this city and county have huge potential - and the key to unlocking that is putting the power in the hands of the people who live and work here, not bureaucrats in Westminster."
This development follows a joint expression of interest submitted by local authority leaders in March 2026 and a subsequent letter confirming shared support for a Mayoral Strategic Authority. Devolution is separate from local government reorganisation, meaning no immediate changes to council services are expected.
Subject to agreement with the Government, a public consultation is planned towards the end of the year. The new authority could be established in autumn 2027, with a mayor elected in May 2028.
