The government’s announcement that it is pausing and reviewing its decisions on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) means there is now a period of uncertainty about the next steps for Hertsmere and Hertfordshire.
Over the past year, councils across Hertfordshire have undertaken a significant amount of work to consider how new local government arrangements could operate.
In July, after more than a year of detailed work, the government confirmed that Hertfordshire would move to four new unitary councils, with Hertsmere joining Watford and Three Rivers in a new South West Hertfordshire authority, the model that this council backed, following extensive engagement with residents, businesses, town and parish councils and the voluntary sector. It reflected the economic geography of our area and kept decision-making close to the communities we serve.
Our officers and councillors have committed thousands of hours to this work. A pause of indefinite length puts all of that planning on hold, creates uncertainty for our staff and our partners, and risks distracting the sector from what matters most: delivering sustainable services, growth and better outcomes for residents.
What Hertsmere and Hertfordshire now need is a swift resolution to the review.
For our residents, the important message is that Hertsmere Borough Council continues to operate as normal, our services continue, our Local Plan work continues and we remain focussed on delivering for our communities.
Cllr Jeremy Newmark
Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council