The Future of Local Government

The English Devolution White Paper sets out a range of proposals relating to devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

The current system of local government is complex. There are a range of different structures, including Strategic Authorities (mostly mayoral combined authorities), county councils, city councils, borough councils, district councils, and town and parish councils.

The recent Devolution White Paper seeks to achieve two things: devolving more powers to local areas (devolution) and simplifying the local government structure (Local Government Reorganisation).

Timeline

*Shadow authorities are the new unitary councils prior to them formally taking on all responsibilities.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions on LGR. You may also wish to visit Hertfordshire's dedicated website, which sets out the background and options currently under consideration.

What is devolution and what will it mean?

Part of devolution involves powers that currently sit with the Government being given to a local area, allowing local decision-makers to have more of a say in what happens in their area. It is important because it ensures that decisions are made closer to the local people, communities, and businesses they affect.

The Government is keen to achieve this by establishing Strategic Authorities in areas that don’t currently have one. These Strategic Authorities, mostly led by directly elected mayors, will be responsible for issues including:

• Housing
• Highways and transport
• Economic growth
• Skills and employment support
• Environment and climate change
• Health
• Public safety

What are the benefits of devolution?

Devolution could mean:

• More powers and more funding being passed down from Government.
• Better co-ordination of services across the whole region.
• Better support for skills development for our residents.
• More strategic control over planning and housing.
• A stronger voice for our region with central Government.

Hertfordshire has been invited to put forward written proposals.

What is Local Government Reorganisation?

The Government has invited councils in Hertfordshire to consider proposals for changing how local government is structured. Currently, services are delivered through a two-tier system, with:

• Hertfordshire County Council providing countywide services such as social care, highways, and education.
• Ten district and borough councils delivering local services such as planning, housing, and waste collection.

Reorganisation could mean replacing the two-tier system with unitary councils, which would be responsible for all local government services in their areas.

What are the benefits of Local Government Reorganisation?

Local Government Reorganisation could mean:

• A more co-ordinated approach to service delivery.
• Giving better value-for-money.
• Generation of savings.
• Providing stronger strategic and local leadership.

Has this been done in East Herts before?

You may know that the last significant national reform of local government occurred in 1974, which led to the creation of East Herts District Council. Prior to that, local services and democracy were managed by seven separate districts:

• Bishop's Stortford Urban District 
• Braughing Rural District 
• Hertford Municipal Borough 
• Hertford Rural District 
• Sawbridgeworth Urban District 
• Ware Rural District 
• Ware Urban District

The process of merging local authorities is not a new concept.

 

What is the council doing now?

*We will keep this section updated with information as it comes available*

Alongside the other Hertfordshire councils, we engaged with the public throughout September to seek views on LGR. We will now be working together to finalise our proposals for submission to the government by 28 November 2025.

 

Useful links

English Devolution White Paper:

The English Devolution White Paper sets out the Government’s agenda to increase and expand devolution across all parts of England.

Local Government Association (LGA) Devolution Hub:

Visit the LGA Devolution Hub to find further information and resources. This includes a list of regularly updated devolution and local government reorganisation FAQs. You can find updates on the current devolution framework and devolution deals agreed between Government and local areas.

Letter from Jim McMahon OBE. Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution:

The letter to all two-tier councils and neighbouring unitary authorities, dated 16 December 2024 sets out the Government’s process and milestones.