More than 30 organisations across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have united behind calls for the area to secure devolution powers and investment from Government. Staffordshire County Council is among the signatories, alongside major employers JCB and Michelin, Keele University and the University of Staffordshire.
The coordinated letter, organised by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, asks Government to recognise Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent as a priority for the next phase of devolution. Devolution transfers powers and funding from Westminster to local areas, allowing decisions to be made closer to communities and giving regions greater influence over how Government money is spent.
What devolution could mean for the area
For Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, devolution could support jobs and economic growth, improve transport and travel, strengthen skills and create new opportunities for residents and businesses. The letter emphasises that benefits must reach communities across the entire region — its city, towns, villages and rural communities alike.
Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: "Devolution is moving forward across England, and Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent must be able to compete on an equal footing with areas that already benefit from devolved powers and funding.
"This isn't about structures or titles. For us, devolution must work for the whole of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. The benefits of investment, economic growth and strategic decision-making must be felt across our city, towns, villages and rural communities alike. It's great to see such strong support from across the area. We're ready to work with Government to make sure devolution builds upon our existing strengths and delivers lasting benefits across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent."
Next steps
The joint letter calls on Government to work with local partners to ensure Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent can benefit fully from the next phase of devolution, and that any future arrangements reflect the needs and priorities of communities across the area. The full letter and list of signatories are available on Staffordshire County Council's website.