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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
Date
Action
5 February 2025
Statutory invitation received from government to submit unitary proposals
21 March 2025
Submit interim Local Government Reorganisation proposal
1 May 2025
Hertfordshire County Council Elections
28 November 2025
Submit full Local Government Reorganisation proposal
May 2027
Elections (Shadow authorities)*
April 2028
Vesting day for new unitary councils
*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.
The Government is looking for a proposal for the reorganisation of local government that does not lead to fragmented services that compete against one another, requires lengthy implementation periods, or does not sufficiently address local interests and identities.
The Government has said it wants to design and implement the best local government structures for efficient and high-quality public service delivery. The Government is therefore expecting local leaders to work collaboratively by sharing information to develop proposals, which is currently being facilitated for the Hertfordshire councils by teams of our own staff and external experts from Impower Consulting.
Devolution gives combined authorities greater powers in policy areas like transport, adult education, employment and skills. Those are the areas of policy and funding that the government has pinpointed for devolution to combined authorities, though the precise suite of powers, finance and responsibilities varies considerably between areas.
The Government has said that it wants to see all of England benefit from devolution, which will include full devolution across the country. The Government wants to work towards all areas having a Mayor and thereby help to rebalance power across England.
The Government has said that the rebalance and the election of more Mayors across the country will help the Government in delivering its key missions for the country.
A Strategic Authority could provide additional Government powers and funding, helping Hertfordshire to support local economic growth, infrastructure, and investment. The Districts and Boroughs are open to exploring this option as part of a broader conversation about governance.
It refers to an area with one tier of local government providing all of the local services, as opposed to an area with two tiers of local government (county council, and district, borough or city councils). Changes of this type have recently been implemented in other areas, including Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire. The London Boroughs are other examples of unitary authorities.
The terms "Unitary Council" and "Strategic Authority" refer to different types of local government bodies and serve distinct functions.
Unitary Councils have one tier of local government, combining all the local services that are currently provided across District and Boroughs and county councils.
Strategic Authorities (such as a combined authority) are partnerships that bring together local authorities across a large geography. They focus on high-level services and strategic oversight across multiple local councils or regions, overseen by a Mayor.
In the White Paper, the Government has said that devolution is key to achieving growth as well as a more joined-up delivery of public services. For example, over the long term the Government has an ambition to align public service boundaries, including job centres, police, probation, fire, health services and Strategic and Local Authorities.
Yes. Other counties like Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Cumbria, and Somerset have recently been reorganised into unitary councils. These examples are being looked at to understand what worked well and what lessons should be learned. We will also be taking learnings from other counties that are working on a faster timeline for local government reorganisation, such as Surrey and Essex.
Local leaders are currently exploring options for a Strategic Authority for Hertfordshire. We are having discussions with neighbouring areas about collaboration to ensure alignment on cross-border issues such as transport, infrastructure, and economic development.
There are likely to be both upfront costs (such as staff restructuring, IT, or rebranding) and longer-term efficiencies.
Devolution deals entail £30 billion in spending power for Combined Authorities and areas with a devolution deal.
Yes. The Government has made £378,077 available to support areas in developing proposals. This funding can be used to cover technical work, evidence gathering, and other support needed to shape local government reorganisation plans.
The Government has encouraged collaboration but can consider submissions from individual councils or groupings of councils if consensus can’t be reached. The Government will consider any suitable proposals submitted by the relevant local authorities.
The Government is responsible for decisions on when elections take place. Elections for new unitary councils would be held once proposals are agreed.
