Stoke-on-Trent (unitary authority)

Stoke-on-Trent (unitary authority), unitary authority, west-central England. Stoke-on-Trent is located on the River Trent in the north-west of the county of Staffordshire, near the border with Cheshire. Until April 1, 1997, the city of Stoke-on-Trent was administratively part of Staffordshire, with local government responsibilities divided between the county council and the city council. On that date, it was administratively separated from the rest of the county, becoming a unitary authority. Under the new arrangement, Stoke-on-Trent unitary authority is responsible for all local government services, including those previously provided by the county council. However, the city remains part of Staffordshire geographically, and for ceremonial and related purposes. The year 2002 saw the first direct election of a mayor for the borough. Population 240,643 (2001).