Government announces four unitary authorities in Hertfordshire

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.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “I am extremely disappointed at the government’s decision that not only breaks up two existing councils but continues to split the Kings Langley community between two new unitaries. This was the opportunity to unite Kings Langley in the same local authority area.

“It was equally clear that the four unitary option has serious financial challenges. I welcome the government explaining why they have decided four unitaries is the best answer for Hertfordshire given it means splitting essential core services, such as adult social care, across four bodies.

“That being said and despite Three Rivers District Council supporting a three-unitary model, I respect the government’s decision and we will continue to work collaboratively with the other councils to ensure our residents get the best possible outcome for this new unitary council when comes into place in April 2028.”

Councils in Hertfordshire remain committed to ensuring a seamless transition into the future authorities and work is underway on building a strong, financially stable and accountable system of local government in Hertfordshire.

The existing councils will continue to provide all their usual services until the new authorities are created.

Elections to the new authorities will take place in May 2027. These elected members 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/