FAQs

Context

In December 2024, the Government published the Devolution White Paper, which requires all local authorities to develop proposals to establish a Strategic Authority, and for local authorities in areas where there are currently two tiers of local government, to develop proposals for reorganisation.

The Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon MP, wrote to the leaders of two-tier councils in Hertfordshire at the beginning of February. The Minister outlined how the Government is aware of the financial crises that many councils are facing, and as such, they want to build resilient and sustainable local government to increase value for money for council taxpayers.

Therefore, the Government has invited the eleven leaders of the councils across Hertfordshire to work together to develop a proposal for the reorganisation of local government, which best fits the area and its need for services. Our final proposal will be submitted to the Government in November this year. For residents, the aim is simpler, better-joined-up local services and better value for money.
We encourage you to take part in engagement events, share feedback, and attend drop-in sessions to make sure your voice is heard.

On this website, you can find event details, register for updates, and complete the county-wide survey. A direct link to the survey is at the bottom of this page
The Government is seeking a proposal for local government reorganisation that delivers integrated services working together rather than in competition, can be implemented efficiently within a reasonable timeframe, and fully reflects local interests and community identities.

The Government has said it wants to design and implement the best local government structures for efficient and high-quality public service delivery. The Government is therefore expecting local leaders to work collaboratively by sharing information to develop proposals, which is currently being facilitated for the Hertfordshire councils by Impower Consulting and Connect Public Affairs.
A Strategic Authority brings councils together at a county or regional level (usually led by a Mayor) to work on county-wide issues like transport, skills and major investment. Through a devolution deal, Government may provide additional powers and funding, helping Hertfordshire to support local economic growth, infrastructure, and investment. The Districts and Boroughs are open to exploring this option as part of a broader conversation about governance.
It refers to an area with one tier of local government providing all of the local services, as opposed to an area with two tiers of local government, which Hertfordshire currently operates under: Hertfordshire County council, and 10 district, borough or city councils.
The Government has an ambition to increase efficiencies, simplify local government, remove duplication and align public service boundaries, including job centres, police, probation, fire, health services and Strategic and Local Authorities.
Yes. Other counties like Northamptonshire, Cumbria, and Somerset have already undergone reorganisation. These examples are being looked at to understand what worked well and what lessons should be learned. We will also be taking learnings from other counties that are working on a faster timeline for local government reorganisation, such as Surrey and Essex.
Local leaders are currently exploring options for a Strategic Authority for Hertfordshire. We are having discussions with neighbouring areas about collaboration to explore potential for alignment on cross-border issues such as transport, infrastructure, and economic development.
There are likely to be both upfront costs (such as staff restructuring, IT, and rebranding) and longer-term savings (from removing duplication and achieving efficiencies).
Yes. The Government has made £378,077 available to support us in developing proposals. This funding can be used to contribute to technical work, evidence gathering, and other support needed to shape local government reorganisation plans.
The Government has encouraged collaboration between councils, but if consensus cannot be reached, each invited council may submit its own proposal or a joint proposal with others. However, a council can only be part of one final submission, and the Government will consider any suitable proposals put forward by the relevant local authorities.
The Government is responsible for decisions on when elections take place. Once proposals are agreed, elections would first be held for shadow authorities, which prepare for the new unitary councils to take on their powers and responsibilities. Based on the current timeline, these elections are expected on 6 May 2027.
Yes. Opportunities will remain open for residents to have their say, through this website and public events, even after a proposal is submitted. Any proposal submitted to the Government must include evidence of public engagement and demonstrate how local feedback has shaped the final plans.

The Government will also carry out a public consultation exercise before deciding on the approach that will be implemented in Hertfordshire.

The Government will determine the timing of their consultation, which we expect to be sometime in 2026.

Through September, you can continue to share your views through the survey, with the link provided at the bottom of this page. All councils across Hertfordshire are also running engagement activities throughout September. This will include opportunities to take part in webinars, submit online feedback, and attend in-person events.

The Proposal

Councils across Hertfordshire are working closely together to consider future arrangements. We have jointly commissioned support for the technical work that is needed to assess options and develop proposals. Our focus is on options that will both meet the criteria set by the Government and best meet the needs of our communities.
The Government asked councils to submit interim proposals by the 21st March to include initial thinking around proposals. Hertfordshire’s proposals were submitted on 20th March. We are now working towards the 28th November deadline for the final submission of the proposed local government reorganisation in Hertfordshire. Councils have been, and will continue to, engage with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to inform their response.

28 November 2025: Final proposal due to Government

Early 2026: Statutory consultation on the proposals led by DLUHC

6 May 2027: Elections to shadow unitary authority/authorities

1 April 2028: “Vesting day” — new unitary councils go live; predecessor councils abolished.
We are engaging extensively with parish and town Councils. The government has said that they want to promote Neighbourhood Area Committees (NACs) to provide a “simplified and standardised system of local area-working and governance”.

These would communicate with the new unitary authorities and could include existing parish and town councillors on their board, as well as representatives from other community organisations.

The direction of parish and town councils may come down to decisions taken locally, with input from you.