All ten district councils, and the county council, have worked closely together over the past year to review options, considering a range of factors including local democracy and identity, local services, and key issues such as financial stability.
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.
At a meeting of the council’s Executive last night (Tuesday, 18 November), members agreed that a three-unitary model is their preferred approach. They concluded that this option best balances a stronger local voice for residents with long-term financial stability.
This option would see East Herts join with Broxbourne, North Herts, and Stevenage and is estimated to cut costs by £181 - £258 million over ten years.
Members of the Executive also agreed to an additional recommendation under which the Leader of the Council will write to the government. This follows the Full Council meeting on 13 November 2025, at which councillors from all parties voiced their frustration with the government’s reorganisation process and the changes being imposed.
Councillor Ben Crystall, Leader of the Council, said: “We have carefully considered the evidence, along with the feedback we have received from residents, partners, and councillor colleagues.
“What is clear is that people want, above all else, good-quality local services that offer value for money. They also want to be heard and to feel confident that their area won’t be overlooked within a large organisation. That is why we, as an administration, believe that three unitary councils serving Hertfordshire would best balance these priorities, creating authorities that are both financially resilient and responsive to local needs.
“It also avoids the uncertainty of the boundary changes needed for the four-unitary model. Those changes are not guaranteed, and without them the proposed eastern council we would join may not be sustainable.”
The final joint submission to government will be made on 28 November. The government is expected to decide which option will be taken forward for Hertfordshire in summer 2026.
Further information, including meeting papers and the draft submission to government, can be found on the council’s website.
