TODAY, the 11 councils in Hertfordshire submitted a joint proposal to the Government on the future of local government in the county.  

In a joint statement, the leaders of Broxbourne Borough Council, Dacorum Borough Council, East Herts District Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Hertsmere Borough Council, North Herts Council, St Albans City and District Council, Stevenage Borough Council, Three Rivers District Council, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, and the Mayor of Watford Borough Council said: 

“It is fifty years since local government was last reorganised in Hertfordshire and we are conscious that the decisions we are making now will have an impact for generations to come.  We are proud to have worked collaboratively as a county and with the Police and Crime Commissioner to consider the evidence and the options for the future.   

“Through public engagement meetings and a survey, we invited local people to share their views and we genuinely appreciate the participation of many residents, strategic stakeholders and local organisations. It was important for us to hear the views of our diverse communities to help shape the proposals and this has guided our decisions throughout this process.   

“The submission has a shared evidence-based approach and includes three different unitary model options for the Government to consider. 

“The next stage will be a formal public consultation by the Government in spring 2026, before a final decision in the summer 2026. 

“Whatever decision is made by the Government, we will continue to work closely and collaboratively to ensure the success of this once in a generation opportunity to shape the future of local government in Hertfordshire”.  

The submission document can be viewed at www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk