At Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 19 November, Cabinet members of the council debated the options for the future structure of local government in Hertfordshire.
Hertsmere Borough Council selected the four unitary option as its preferred model which would see Hertsmere joined with Watford and Three Rivers in a new South West unitary authority. Dacorum and St Albans would form a new Western unitary authority, a Central unitary authority would be formed of North Herts, Stevenage, and Welwyn Hatfield. Eastern Hertfordshire authority would be Broxbourne joined with East Herts plus the existing North Herts wards of Arbury, Emine, Royston Heath, Royston Meridian, Royston Palace, and Weston and Sandon and the Welwyn Hatfield ward of Northaw and Cuffley.
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council said:
“Tonight we have made a clear decision on our preferred choice for the four unitary option, an important and significant milestone for Hertsmere.
“Cabinet reviewed the available options, and considered feedback from our residents, business owners, community groups, town and parish councils, and voluntary sector.
“Our decision was also informed by today’s Full Council debate.
“Our priority throughout this process has always been to safeguard local services, ensure strong local accountability and deliver real value for our communities.
“We will now continue to work with our neighbouring councils as we move forward to the next stage of Local Government Reorganisation.”
Ten district councils, and the county council as well as the Police and Crime Commissioner have been working closely together over the past year to review options in relation to Local Government Reorganisation, considering a range of factors including local democracy and identity, local services, and key issues such as financial stability.
All Hertfordshire councils agreed to detailed modelling of three different options, with two, three or four new unitary councils being created, with varying geography, population and approach to services.
The final submission from Hertfordshire to the Secretary of State will be made on 28 November. Following this there will then be a formal consultation by the Government in spring 2026 before a final decision by the Secretary of State in the summer.
We will continue to work together to deliver what is a once in a lifetime opportunity to shape local government in Hertfordshire, whichever decision is made by Government.