Local government shake-up milestones outlined at parish forum
The key steps taken in the shake-up in local government were outlined to parish representatives at the latest engagement meeting.
Representatives from parish and community councils across Three Rivers were welcomed by Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Leader of the District Council, at his latest engagement session at the district authority’s head office in Rickmansworth on Monday (1 December).
The meeting heard that each council in the county has submitted their preferred model for Hertfordshire as Local Government Reorganisation continues to take shape – which would effectively dissolve the county, district and borough councils and create new unitary councils. Three Rivers District Council’s preferred option is to create three unitary councils in Hertfordshire.
Other topics in the agenda include an update on the Local Plan – a document that guides decisions on future development proposals for new homes and associated infrastructure and employment in Three Rivers – an update on local government finances, and the ongoing consultation that asks residents living in the unparished areas of Penn, Mill End, Maple Cross and West Hyde if they would like to have a local parish council, join an existing one or remain as is.
The parish liaison meetings, launched by the Leader 18 months ago, are one of the ways in which the district council is working collaboratively with parishes to ensure they are fully informed.
Cllr Giles-Medhurst said: “Local Government Reorganisation may be a few years away, but it is important that our parish and community councils join us in this journey so they can help shape the new local authority. In the meantime, we will continue to work with our parish and community councils throughout this process as well as engage with them on the very local issues they may have.”