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Update on the future of councils in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
The Government confirmed yesterday (16th July) that all 10 existing district, borough, city and county councils will be replaced by the following new unitary councils from April 2028:
- Southern and Mid Staffordshire Unitary: South Staffordshire, Cannock, Stafford, Lichfield, Tamworth, East Staffordshire
- North Staffordshire Unitary: Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands
Staffordshire County Council will form part of the two new unitary authorities.
There will be no immediate changes to how you access or the delivery of your current council services.
For more information please visit: https://staffordshirestokelgr.org.uk/
Four South Staffordshire sites celebrate prestigious Green Flag Awards
Four much-loved green spaces in South Staffordshire are celebrating after winning prestigious Green Flag Awards.
Baggeridge Country Park has once again achieved Green Flag status, marking an impressive 28 years of holding the award.
It has been joined this year by Strawberry Lane Cemetery in Great Wyrley, which has received Green Flag status in its first year of being entered for the award.
Wom Brook Walk in Wombourne has also retained its Green Flag for the 17th year in a row, while Sytch Lane Cemetery in Wombourne has achieved the award for a third year.
The Green Flag Award, run by Keep Britain Tidy, is the international mark of quality for parks and green spaces. It recognises places that are welcoming, safe, clean, well managed and cared for to a high standard.
For more information, click here
Local Plan: Final chance to have your say
South Staffordshire Council is encouraging residents and landowners to take part in two important Local Plan consultations before they close at midday on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.
Residents can have their say through the Scoping Consultation, which is the first stage of preparing a new South Staffordshire Local Plan. This is an opportunity to tell the council what issues the plan should focus on, such as housing, jobs, local services and protecting the environment.
The council is also running a Call for Sites, inviting landowners, developers and other interested parties to suggest land that could be considered for future development, including housing, employment, retail and traveller sites. Any sites submitted in previous years must be submitted again to be considered.
Find out more and take part online:
For further information, contact the Local Plans team at localplans@sstaffs.gov.uk.
By-election result: Himley and Swindon
A by-election took place yesterday (16th July) for the Himley and Swindon district ward seat.
The successful candidate was Sean Massey, Local Conservatives.
For more information, click here
Rise in fly-tipping offences
The number of fly-tipping incidents in South Staffordshire has risen slightly during the period from April to June this year, compared to the same period last year.
The graph above shows the number of fly-tipping incidents recorded during the same period since 2020, when fly-tipping offences peaked.
Our team continues to follow up lines of investigation into fly-tipping offences and to take positive action where there is sufficient evidence.
The council would like to remind all residents that fly-tipping often occurs when rogue traders offer to do cheap waste clearances from people's homes and go on to fly tip it rather than pay for lawful disposal.
If you need waste removed, please be sure to use a legitimate business and retain their name, address and invoice.
If you need any help or advice about booking reputable businesses, please look on the Government website or contact us.
South Staffs' Nav stars at national event celebration
South Staffordshire Council's Nav Sandhu was one of just six local government professionals from across the country featured at this year's annual conference for district councils as part of a special exhibition celebrating the people who help create thriving communities.
The exhibition, themed "Special People Creating Special Places", highlighted the wide range of roles that help local councils deliver services and support residents.
Nav, who works as a Senior Estates Surveyor for South Staffordshire Council, was recognised for her work managing the council's commercial property portfolio, which generates around £4 million each year to help fund important local services.
Nav works with businesses of all sizes, supporting tenants, managing lease agreements and helping organisations find suitable premises. Her work helps support the local economy and ensures the Council's properties continue to provide value for residents. Council leader, Councillor Kath Perry MBE, said she was proud to see Nav's contribution recognised on the national stage.
Summer roadshow: First stop, Huntington
South Staffordshire Council's welfare services team attended the first leg of the welfare services roadshow in Huntington on Sunday, 12th July.
Officers promoted the new crisis and resilience fund, welfare support services to tackle cost of living, raised awareness of the local welcome space at St Thomas's church, and promoted the local leisure services and new space scheme
For more information on the welfare support team and what support they may be able to offer, please visit Welfare support | South Staffordshire District Council
A new chapter for Great Wyrley: TheHub@Wyrley now open
 Great Wyrley Academy has officially opened The Hub at Wyrley and its new Community Fridge, creating a welcoming space where residents can access support, services and advice in one place.
The Community Fridge, which offers affordable food while helping to reduce waste, is the first part of the project and has already proved popular with local residents.
The hub has been made possible through the hard work of local volunteers, organisations and partners working together to support the community.
Councillor Kath Perry MBE, leader of South Staffordshire Council, unveiled a plaque at the official opening.
Thanks were given to everyone involved, including Great Wyrley Academy, Windsor Academy Trust, volunteers, partners and funders, whose support has helped bring this valuable community resource to life.
Job vacancies
External vacancies
- Technical Support Officer (Part-time), closing on 27th July
- Relief Leisure Assistant, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing on 19th July
All job applications are managed through our recruitment platform: Find a job | South Staffordshire District Council.
If you unable to apply online, please contact jobs@sstaffs.gov.uk to request an application form.
Keep active this summer with affordable holiday activities at South Staffordshire leisure centres
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Families looking for affordable ways to keep children and young people active, entertained and healthy over the summer holidays can enjoy a wide range of activities at South Staffordshire Council’s leisure centres.
Through the Staffordshire Space Scheme, eligible local children and young people aged 8–17 can access discounted activities throughout the summer, including swimming sessions for just £1, gym sessions for £1 and 3G pitch hire for £10.
There will also be lots of daily swimming sessions available across the leisure centres, giving families plenty of opportunities to enjoy time in the pool during the school holidays.
Aspire Activity Camps will also be running sports-based school holiday activities for children aged 4–14, offering a fun and active way for young people to spend their time during the break.
Football fans can also get involved in Wolves Soccer Schools, with sessions designed to help children develop their football skills, build confidence and enjoy being active with others.
For more information about summer holiday activities, timetables and Space Scheme discounts, please visit the website - https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/sports-and-fitness/activities-children-young-people
Upcoming Protection of Premises Workshops
People who manage village halls, community buildings or local events are invited to attend one of two free workshops taking place this month.
The sessions have been designed specifically for rural communities and will provide practical advice on keeping public spaces safe.
With the introduction of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, it is important for community leaders to understand their responsibilities.
A Counter Terrorism Security Advisor from the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit will lead the workshops, sharing expert guidance, real-world examples and advice on emergency planning.
The workshops are aimed at village hall trustees and managers, community event organisers, parish councils, volunteers and safety coordinators. They also provide an opportunity to network with others, learn about upcoming legal requirements and gain confidence in planning for potential incidents.
Sessions will take place on Wednesday 22nd July, 9.30am–12.30pm at Weston Village Hall and Wednesday 29th July, 1pm–4pm at Cotes Heath and Standon Village Hall.
Spaces are limited to three places per community building, so early booking is recommended.
Find out more and book your place at: https://events.humanitix.com/protection-of-premises-workshop-qyqrqyee and https://events.humanitix.com/protection-of-premises-workshop-z63j7ya5.
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