Like all councils in two-tier areas, Hertsmere has received an invitation from government to submit proposals, in the form of expressions of interest, for the reorganisation of local government structures in Hertfordshire.
The letter sets out the criteria to be considered and the timescale, including for initial plans to be submitted in March and full proposals later in the year.
In response to this letter, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, Cllr Jeremy Newmark, said: “My priority is to ensure that any changes benefit Hertsmere’s residents and businesses, maintains our excellent local government services, and enables strong democratic accountability to our communities.
“There are currently differing views on the best model for local government in Hertfordshire and we are committed to working together to determine how we can best achieve this goal.
“All 11 councils, along with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, are collaborating to assess the options. With resources already extremely stretched by financial and staff pressures, it is essential to balance the delivery of vital services with any future governance changes.
“I am firmly opposed to any notion of a single unitary authority based upon the county-wide geography. I know that view is shared by leaders of all the other districts and boroughs in Hertfordshire. Under those circumstances I am deeply concerned that the county council seem set on continuing to advocate for that proposal.”
“With a population of 1.2 million and rising, it would be much larger than any local authority in the UK, leading to distant decision-making and services less responsive to the needs of our different communities, urban and rural, including those that are near to London and those that are far away from it. Creating one giant unitary authority would remove the connection we have with our residents, potentially slow down decision-making and make services less able to adapt to the needs of our diverse communities.
“This work is at an early stage and the views of residents, businesses, local government partners, our colleagues, and other stakeholders across the public and private sectors will be essential as it develops. We are committed to keeping you updated.”
