Councils Launch Stakeholder Engagement on the Future of Local Government in Hertfordshire

In a co-ordinated approach, all councils will engage with key strategic partners - including the NHS, police, education leaders, major employers, town and parish councils and voluntary and community sector groups – at both county-wide and district and borough level.

The engagement is underpinned by four core principles: transparency, consistency, inclusion, and accessibility.  All 11 Councils in Hertfordshire are committed to working collaboratively and listening to a broad range of voices as they consider how local government in Hertfordshire could evolve.  It aims to explore how future local government arrangements could better support shared priorities and improve services for residents.

This initial phase will focus on the principles and opportunities behind potential reorganisation options. It aims to build understanding of the process underway following the publication of the Government’s Devolution White Paper and invitation for all two-tier areas to submit proposals for creating a single tier of unitary councils.  It will also explain the shared objectives of council leaders and gather input from strategic partners on how any future changes could support better local services and stronger accountability to ensure they are considered from the outset.  Engagement is also being undertaken with representative partners from Town and Parish Councils in Hertfordshire to research and formulate options for enhanced working with the new unitary councils when they are formed.

Councillor Max Holloway, Leader of WHBC said:

“I believe that the reorganisation of local government provides us with a real opportunity to keep what works, fix what doesn’t, and build a more responsive and resilient system of local government - one that reflects local identity while unlocking long-term benefits for residents and communities.  No final proposals have been made, and councils are working collaboratively to assess what form of local government would best serve Hertfordshire’s communities, services, and places. A wider public engagement process will begin in the summer, offering residents the opportunity to review and respond to specific options. More information on the wider consultation will be published on the WHBC website and social media channels and I would encourage everyone take part and share their views.”

Councillor Jane Quinton, Deputy Leader of WHBC said:

"It is good to see that the first part of the consultation process is underway as we continue to work collaboratively with all councils and partners across the county to ensure the options considered will benefit our residents and businesses. The time frame for these major decisions is very short, so it is essential that we hear from as many groups as possible about one of the biggest changes to local government for many years. I would also encourage residents to take part in the wider public engagement process when it starts over the summer."

The second phase of engagement, which will be launched in the coming months, will provide residents and wider stakeholders with the opportunity to learn more about the potential options for the future of local government in Hertfordshire, ask questions, and share their views directly.  Details of these engagement opportunities will be shared closer to the time.

Councils will also be organising significant engagement with their workforce during this period.

All 11 councils are working together to assess what local government structures would best serve Hertfordshire’s communities, services, and places. This is an opportunity to build a responsive and resilient system of local government - one that reflects local identity while unlocking long-term benefits for residents and communities.

Final proposals must be submitted to the government on 28 November 2025.