The Campaign for Historic Counties has submitted its response to the government’s consultation on proposals for unitary local government in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. The consultation seeks views on multiple proposals from local councils, which would reorganise local administration across parts of Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, and some neighbouring areas.
While the Campaign does not take a position on the number or boundaries of the proposed unitary authorities, it emphasises the importance of recognising and respecting the historic counties. Historic counties, the Campaign notes, are the enduring geographical framework of the nation. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) affirms this in its Index of Place Names User Guide 2024 (p.13), stating that historic counties continue to exist and should be used in official mapping and documentation.
A spokesperson commented:
The proposals for local government reorganisation should never obscure or replace Staffordshire’s historic and geographic identity, as well as those parts of Cheshire, Shropshire, Warwickshire and Derbyshire that are within the consultation area. We urge that the historic counties are fully recognised in all new administrative arrangements, signage, and communications.
The Campaign’s response makes clear that, regardless of how the new unitary authorities are drawn, historic county identities must continue to be respected and protected for residents, businesses, and communities across the region.
For further information visit RealCounties.com.
Britain's Historic Counties 