Council’s response to local government reform letter
Like all councils in two-tier areas, we have now received our statutory invitation from the Government to submit proposals for the reorganisation of local government structures in Hertfordshire.
The letter sets out the criteria to be considered and the timescale to submit initial plans in March and full proposals later this year.
Welwyn Hatfield's priority is to ensure that any changes benefit local residents and businesses, whilst maintaining our efficient local government services and ensuring strong democratic accountability to our communities and neighbourhoods.
We are committed to working with all councils and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to develop a shared evidence-base to inform the options available to our county and carefully consider the government's request. 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.
Councillor Max Holloway, Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economic Development and Climate Change said:
“There are currently different views on the best model for local government in Hertfordshire. With a growing population of 1.2 million, I believe that Hertfordshire is too big to be run by a single unitary council and I will not be supporting this approach. Local decisions need to be made locally. The process of carefully considering the Government’s request is at an early stage and we will keep local residents and businesses updated as discussions progress. I am committed to working with colleagues from other councils and partner organisations to ensure that any future changes will benefit all of us that live and work in Welwyn Hatfield.”