Hertfordshire’s Councils and OPCC submit joint response to Government on local government reform

This follows the publication of the White Paper on English Devolution, which required two-tier councils to submit initial proposals for a single tier of local government by 21 March.

Hertfordshire’s councils and the OPCC’s shared priority remains to ensure that any changes benefit residents and businesses, maintains excellent services, and enables strong democratic accountability to our communities.

The submission received input from all Councils and the OPCC, setting out a range of options for further consideration. Options range from one to four unitary councils and consider how it supports devolution, improves services, delivers value for money, and ensures strong links with local communities.

While a joint submission has been agreed, councils have differing views on which option to pursue, and no final decision has been made at this stage. Councils and the OPCC will continue working together to analyse each option in detail.

Councils will receive feedback on their initial proposal to help finalise plans. Final proposals must then be submitted by 28 November, after which Ministers will decide which option to pursue.

The views of residents, businesses, and other stakeholders across sectors remain essential for these proposals. Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, along with the other Councils in Hertfordshire and the OPCC will continue to work with local communities and provide updates throughout this process.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Max Holloway said:

“We would like to reassure our community and colleagues that no decision has been made on the options. However, we continue to maintain that one unitary council for the ever-growing population of Hertfordshire is not sustainable. There is still more work to do to before we can finalise an option that meets the needs of our residents and businesses and ensure that we continue to put the community at the heart of our decision making.”

Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Jane Quinton added:

“We continue to work in collaboration with all councils and partners in Hertfordshire to develop proposals that are right for Welwyn Hatfield and the County. Whilst we do not agree that one unitary council is the right approach, the report is the first step in meeting the Government’s request and we are committed to ensuring the future changes benefit those living and working in Welwyn Hatfield."

The interim proposal and more information about devolution and local government reorganisation can be found on the council’s website.