Decision process underway for Hertfordshire’s Local Government Reorganisation
- webteam635
- Nov 6
- 1 min read
Over the course of the next few weeks, councils across Hertfordshire will make decisions on which unitary authority model they are supporting.
Following the Government’s invitation to councils in two-tier authority areas to submit plans for local government reorganisation, all ten district councils, the county council and the Police and Crime Commissioner, have been working collaboratively to review options.
Councils agreed to detailed modelling of three different options, with two, three or four new councils being created with varying geography, population and approach to services. This evidence-based approach was agreed by all 11 councils and the potential options will now be considered democratically by councillors in each council. It also takes into account feedback from the public engagement that took place across Hertfordshire in September.
Each council will provide the opportunity for councillors to debate the merits of each option before deciding which of the three options they believe will offer the best opportunities for local residents and partners.
A decision is expected from the Government in summer 2026.
I support the 4-way split unitary model on the grounds that this will give the best democratic cover for residents, with more councillors available who have good knowledge of local issues. This option may bring about slightly fewer opportunities for cost efficiencies, but I think it provides a good trade-off.
I strongly feel that residents of Elstree and Borehamwood have not been adequately considered in this situation. We depend entirely on Transport for London (TfL) and are integral to the London travel zone. Given our deep-rooted identities and connections to London, it is both unjust and impractical to force us into an arrangement that we do not desire. This decision risks undermining our needs and ties to the city.