Government announces four unitary authorities in Hertfordshire

This means that from 1 April 2028 new authorities will take over responsibility for delivering the services currently provided by the county council and the district and borough councils in that area.  

The new unitary authorities will be:

• North West Hertfordshire - serving the communities of the existing Dacorum Borough Council and St Albans City & District Council
• South West Hertfordshire - serving the communities of the existing Hertsmere Borough Council, Three Rivers District Council and Watford Borough Council
• Central Hertfordshire - serving the communities of the existing North Herts Council (minus five district council wards), Stevenage Borough Council and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (minus the Northaw & Cuffley borough council ward)
• Eastern Hertfordshire - serving the communities of the existing Broxbourne Borough Council and East Herts District Council, plus the Northaw & Cuffley borough council ward from the existing Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council area and Royston Heath, Royston Palace, Royston Meridian, Ermine, Weston and Sandon district council wards from North Herts Council.

Outlining the reasons behind its decision, the Government said that the four unitary council model reflects Hertfordshire’s distinct economic areas, the connection to local communities, a tailored approach to services and provides a strong foundation for devolution in Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire is seeking the establishment of a Strategic Mayoral Authority with a directly elected Mayor for Hertfordshire as soon as possible to help unlock the county’s full potential. Local Government Reorganisation is an important step towards this.

The devolution of powers, funding and decision-making away from central government to a locally elected Mayor will enable better decision making about key economic drivers specifically designed around what works best for Hertfordshire.

Councillor Rose Grewal, Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Planning said: 

“The Government has decided that four unitary councils are the best option for Hertfordshire. The new Unitary Authority for our area will give residents a single point of contact for all services and create a council with the capacity to take on greater responsibilities, while remaining connected and accountable to the communities it serves.  

 

While there have been different views on the best model for local government in our County, our priority remains ensuring that residents, businesses and communities across Welwyn Hatfield continue to receive high-quality, locally responsive services. Cabinet Members and I are committed to continue working constructively with council colleagues and partner organisations in our unitary authority area to ensure that these changes deliver real benefits for everyone who lives and works in Welwyn Hatfield. I would like to thank officers at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, and colleagues across Hertfordshire, for their dedication and hard work in preparing the submission that helped inform the Government’s decision. 

 

There is much work to do as we move towards the new arrangements, and we will continue to keep residents, businesses and stakeholders updated on progress as the new unitary authority is established.” 

Councillor Sandreni Bonfante, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Climate Change said: 

“I am deeply disappointed in the government’s decision to divide Hertfordshire into four unitary authorities. This decision by the Government will have major consequences for the future of Welwyn Hatfield, its businesses and residents.  Whilst I believe that government has made the wrong decision on the best model for local government in Hertfordshire, we will work collaboratively on the transition to the new unitary authority and do our best to deliver for Welwyn Hatfield.” 

All councils in Hertfordshire remain committed to ensuring residents continue to receive high-quality services now and in the future.

Elections to the new authorities will take place in May 2027. These elected councillors will help set up the new councils and operate in a “shadow” capacity ahead of the new authorities being established on 1 April 2028.

More information about Local Government Reorganisation in Hertfordshire can be found at www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk/