HERTFORDSHIRE LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION
Background
In December 2024, the Government announced that all Councils in England would be required to streamline their organisation to remove the split between County and District / Borough Councils where this had not already been done.
At the same time, the Councils were asked to consider whether and how Strategic Mayoralties could be implemented over multiple council areas to allow for devolution of some strategic responsibilities such as transport from the Government. This is similar to arrangements, such as those in place for Manchester and the West Midlands.
Timeline for Local Government Reorganisation – Hertfordshire
| Date | Action |
| December 2024 | Government publishes Devolution White Paper |
| February 2025 | Minister “invites” Councils to submit initial options |
| March 2025 | Councils submit initial options including 1, 2, 3 & 4 Unitary Councils |
| July / August 2025 | Key stakeholder “consultations” |
| September 2025 | Resident consultation |
| 28 November 2025 | Hertfordshire submit formal proposal(s) |
| Spring 2026 | Government discussions with Council |
| Summer 2026 | Government decide on approach |
| May 2027 | “Shadow” Unitary Authority elections |
| April 2028 | Vesting day for Unitary Authorities |
September 2025 Update
Councils across Hertfordshire are working together to develop proposals to be presented to the Government at the end of November. The councils are considering (and will put forward to Government) three options for this reorganisation – 2, 3 or 4 Unitary Councils.
The councils are now conducting a survey of residents to get their views on the reorganisation and the potential options. Having been announced at the end of August, this survey will only run until 30th September. Click the button on the right to COMPLETE THE SURVEY.
Due to the importance of the issue and tight timescales, we have decided to issue a Special Edition ahead of our usual monthly Newsletter.
We have been examining the options, based the information available, and have prepared a short briefing note on the options, current financial position and timetable for the change.
Further information from Hertfordshire councils can be found here.
Delegation of Powers to Parish Councils
One area the survey does not directly address is whether, as part of this reorganisation, very local issues should be delegated by the new higher-level authority to Parish & Town Councils. We strongly believe that, as part of this change, items such as management of local open spaces, play areas and communal buildings should be passed down in this way. In addition, we feel that matters such as Householder Planning Applications (for things like extensions and other changes to existing properties) and local premises licensing should also be passed to Parish / Town Councils who are best placed to judge these with their local knowledge.
If you agree with us, there is an opportunity to make comments on this under question 13 of the survey.
