View the interim submission - Local Government Reorganisation in Hertfordshire
- Hertfordshire Local Government Reorganisation Submissiondoc file[1.25MB]
The changing shape of local government in Hertfordshire
We are working 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 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 is not included in the Government’s immediate priority areas for restructure, so the county council elections scheduled for 1 May are going ahead.
We are finalising an outline proposal with the other local authorities ready for submission in late March, with a request for us collectively to submit fuller details in November this year.
From Hertsmere’s perspective, we will continue to make it clear that we do not support the creation of a single, or ‘unitary’ authority for the whole of Hertfordshire. It is a diverse county, made up of 1.2 million residents across urban, suburban and rural areas. A unitary council for the county risks 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.
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 will go 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.
