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.”
Leader of East Herts Council, Councillor Ben Crystall, said: “While the creation of four unitary councils for the county was not our preferred model, we believe local government should be exactly that – local. We are pleased that decision-making will remain closer to our communities than it would have under the other options.
“We are also pleased that most of the boundary changes have been confirmed. These will bring additional areas into the eastern unitary council, of which East Herts will be part, and are an important step towards ensuring its long-term financial sustainability. As the smallest unitary council in Hertfordshire, it will be essential that it has all the resources it needs to deliver high quality local services, and we will continue to press for that assurance.”
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/