Six councils in talks on plan to team up as new authority

They face axe in local government shake-up

- Phil Corrigan Local Democracy Reporter

SIX Staffordshire councils are working with consultants to develop plans for a new unitary authority to replace the current two-tier system.

Stafford Borough could join Cannock Chase, South Staffordshire, Tamworth, Lichfield and East Staffordshire to form a new Southern Staffordshire council.

The county's eight district and borough councils, which provide services such as bin collections, emergency housing, planning and leisure facilities, are all facing the axe as part of national government plans to reorganise the local authority system.

Draft proposals were put forward in March, and the deadline for more detailed plans is November 28.