Local Government Reorganisation

Hertfordshire’s 11 councils have today launched a second phase of engagement on the future of local government in the county.

Residents, community groups, businesses and wider stakeholders are invited to share their views on how services will be delivered in Hertfordshire in the years ahead. This is a once in a generation opportunity to help shape the future of local government.

In December 2024, the Government set out plans to simplify local government in England to make it easier for residents and businesses to access services and to save money.

In Hertfordshire, there are currently two types of council:

• District and borough councils, which provide services such as housing, planning, bin collections, car parks and leisure services.
• The county council, which is responsible for schools, libraries, roads, caring for children and supporting adults who need help with daily living.

Under the Government’s plan, these councils will be replaced by new unitary councils that will deliver all services currently provided by the two separate types of council.

All councils in Hertfordshire are working together to explore what this would look like. The aim is to create a system of local government that is easy to understand, delivers good value for money and responds to the needs of local areas.

A dedicated website will also give further information on the changes, how you can get involved and share your views at www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk. This will remain open until 30 September 2025.

The resident engagement event in Hertsmere will take place on Monday 8 September from 6pm to 8pm at the Civic Offices, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, WD6 1WA.

To sign up for the event please register your place.

Watch the meeting LIVE

View the interim submission - Local Government Reorganisation in Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire’s local authorities received this feedback from the Government regarding our collective interim submission.

The changing shape of local government in Hertfordshire

We have worked collaboratively with the other councils in Hertfordshire, at the request of central government, to develop an outline proposal for the reorganisation of local government structures in the county. This was submitted in March 2025 and we have received their initial feedback.

This follows the publication of the Government’s English Devolution White Paper at the end of 2024 which sets out a direction of travel for reorganisation.

That paper calls on areas where there is a ‘two-tier’ system of local government, as we have in Hertfordshire, to propose ways of restructuring.

Hertfordshire was not included in the Government’s immediate priority areas for restructure, so the county council elections scheduled for 1 May went ahead.

We submitted an outline proposal with the other local authorities, received initial feedback, and are now working collectively to submit fuller details in November this year.

The option of a single authority for the whole of Hertfordshire has been ruled out, which Hertsmere welcomes as we considered it risked diminishing local representation, with decision-making that is remote from the communities we serve.

Our council’s leadership will continue to maintain that future changes must be carefully considered, transparent, and inclusive, ensuring that residents and businesses are fully engaged in shaping the future governance of Hertfordshire.

We will publish further updates about how you can stay informed, and take part in any consultation, as this programme of change develops.

We anticipate that by September 2025, we will be able to provide you with fuller information and an opportunity for you to raise questions and views, either in person and/or via a survey.

Timeline

*Shadow authorities are the new unitary council/s prior to them formally taking on all responsibilities.

Whilst some two-tier authorities (such as Essex and East/West Sussex) applied to postpone their May 2025 elections and take part in the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP), Hertfordshire did not, so our elections went ahead as planned in May 2025.

Useful links

English Devolution White Paper:

The English Devolution White Paper sets out the Government’s agenda to increase and expand devolution across all parts of England.

Local Government Association (LGA) Devolution Hub:

Visit the LGA Devolution Hub to find further information and resources. This includes a list of regularly updated devolution and local government reorganisation FAQs. You can find updates on the current devolution framework and devolution deals agreed between Government and local areas.

Letter from Jim McMahon OBE. Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution:

The letter to all two-tier councils and neighbouring unitary authorities, dated 16 December 2024 sets out the Government’s process and milestones.