City approves proposals for 'super council'

Controversial plans now go to Government

- Hayley Parker

STOKE-ON-TRENT has confirmed its controversial plans for a North Staffordshire 'super council' - despite opposition from neighbouring authorities.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council wants to create a North Staffordshire unitary authority in response to the Government's planned reorganisation of councils in England.

The plans were approved unanimously by all three political groups (Labour, Local Conservatives and Reform UK) and nonaligned members at special meetings of the ruling cabinet and full council.

Its plans would see two new local authorities created, covering North Staffordshire and Southern & Mid Staffordshire.

According to a 278-page report to accompany the plans, a North Staffordshire unitary covering Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle and the Staffordshire Moorlands would align with realities 'on the ground' in terms of how people live, work and travel.