New report highlights significant progress as Stoke-on-Trent builds on priorities that matter most to people

The 'state of the city' report shows how the council and its partners are progressing against key priorities. And the improvements are being delivered after more than a decade of financial challenge, with local government austerity from 2010 to 2024 leading to a real-terms reduction of around 25 per cent in the council's spending power.

Achievements highlighted by the report last year include:

• Delivering a Centenary programme which put the national spotlight on Stoke-on-Trent, brought communities together, and created a lasting legacy
• Securing £105 million from government to continue our transformation of buses and the wider transport network
• Supporting more than 1,300 children through expanded Family Hub services
• Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour through targeted action in priority areas including Fenton, Shelton and Tunstall
• Clearing 5,977 fly-tipping incidents, with an average response time of just 2.7 days
• Seizing £3.1m of illegal goods, keeping families safe from the dangers or faulty or harmful products being sold illegally
• Helping 543 people into work through our JET employability programme

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:

"This report shows that we are delivering real improvements in the areas that matter most to local people. From securing major investment in our transport network and helping more residents into work, to tackling crime, supporting families and keeping our neighbourhoods cleaner, we are making meaningful progress across the city.

"The progress also shows that we are rebuilding our city. This is being achieved despite more than 14 years of financial pressures, with austerity contributing to a real-term reduction of million of pounds in the council's spending power and a substantial fall in government funding.

"The latest financial settlement we have received is set out over three years and includes increased funding. While the financial challenge remains significant, it does give us the opportunity to plan better for the long term."

The report also looks at a range of key statistical indicators that best reflect its priority to build a healthier, wealthier, safer, greener, cleaner, fairer and more skilled city.

Infant mortality rates and adult obesity rates have both fallen since 2023, while crime and anti-social behaviour is down by nearly 25% from 14.1 cases per 1,000 population to 10.6 cases.

Levels of domestic abuse have fallen by 12.6% and the number of children in need dropped from 605 per 10,000 in 2023 to 510 per 10,000 in 2025. Average CO2 emissions per head have fallen dramatically.

The city is now outperforming the national average in a number of areas, including the proportion of young people not in work, training or education. As of March 2026, the city's NEET (Not in employment education or training) level for 16 to 17 year olds was at 3% compared to the national average of 3.6%. And the council had 123 new apprentices start in 2025/26 - well exceeding its annual target of 50 - with 41 new apprentices starting between January and April 2026 alone.

Councillor Ashworth added:

“While we know there is still more to do, it is encouraging to see improvements in key indicators such as reducing crime, lowering infant mortality and obesity rates, and helping more young people access education, employment and training.

"Our ambition remains clear: to build a healthier, wealthier, safer, greener, cleaner, fairer and more skilled Stoke-on-Trent. This report demonstrates that we are moving in the right direction and creating better opportunities and outcomes for residents right across our city."