Hertfordshire’s councils and OPCC submit joint response to Government on local government reform
All 11 councils in Hertfordshire and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) have agreed a joint interim response to the Government outlining a number of initial options for the reorganisation of local government structures in the county.
Hertfordshire is what's known as a two-tier area with the county council responsible for services such as libraries, highways and transport, adult social care and children's services, and 10 district and borough councils providing services such as bin collections, street cleaning, environmental health, leisure and housing. The Police and Crime Commissioner is responsible for the oversight of policing across the county.
As part of its plans to reshape local government, on 5 February the Government invited councils in all two-tier areas to submit an interim plan by 21 March for moving to a single tier of unitarity councils providing all services.
Hertfordshire’s councils and the OPCC’s shared priorities are ensuring any changes benefit residents and businesses, excellent local government services are maintained, residents are kept safe, and strong democratic accountability is available to communities across the county.
All 11 councils and the OPCC worked together to produce the interim submission which has been shared with elected members at each individual organisation and Hertfordshire’s MPs.
The submission sets out a number of options for further consideration, ranging from one to four unitary councils providing all services.
It also includes early thinking on how each option could support devolution, improve services, deliver value for money and maintain strong links to communities.
While a joint submission has been agreed, councils have differing views on the options set out and no decisions are being made at this stage.
Councils and the OPCC will continue to collaborate over the coming months to collate and analyse further evidence for each option.
The Government will provide feedback on the interim submission which will also inform the development of final proposals to be submitted to the Government by 28 November 2025 for a decision by Ministers.
The views of residents, businesses, local government partners, colleagues, and other stakeholders across the public and private sectors will be essential as proposals develop. All councils and the OPCC are committed to providing updates throughout the process.
Councillor Paul de Kort, Leader of St Albans City and District Council, said:
There is still considerable work to be undertaken before a decision should be made on the best option for restructuring local government in Hertfordshire.
We are keeping an open mind until we consult with our residents as well as important stakeholders such as local businesses, other public agencies, parish councils, voluntary groups and charities. Their views must be heard and taken into account.
There is also a need for much more guidance from the Government about many crucial aspects of the restructuring they are demanding.
We need to gather all this information, discuss and analyse it, before we can throw our weight behind one particular option.
The last reorganisation has lasted more than 50 years and this current one may well do the same, so it is vital we get this right and do not rush any decision.
Notes to Editors:
Interim Submission: Local Government Reorganisation in Hertfordshire will appear here: https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation
The statutory invitation from the Government received on 5 February to submit proposals for the reorganisation of local government structures in the county.
The English Devolution White Paper: English Devolution White Paper - GOV.UK