Help shape Hertfordshire’s future

Hertfordshire’s 11 councils have today launched a second phase of engagement on the future of local government in the county.

Residents, community groups, businesses and wider stakeholders are invited to share their views on how services will be delivered in Hertfordshire in the years ahead. This is a once in a generation opportunity to help shape the future of local government.

In December 2024, the Government set out plans to simplify local government in England to make it easier for residents and businesses to access services and to save money.

In Hertfordshire, there are currently two types of council:

• District and borough councils, which provide services such as housing, planning, bin collections, car parks and leisure services.
• The county council, which is responsible for schools, libraries, roads, caring for children and supporting adults who need help with daily living.

Under the Government’s plan, these councils will be replaced by new unitary councils that will deliver all services currently provided by the two separate types of council.

All councils in Hertfordshire are working together to explore what this would look like. The aim is to create a system of local government that is easy to understand, delivers good value for money and responds to the needs of local areas.

Over the next month, councils will hold a mix of in-person and online events across the county. A dedicated website will also give further information on the changes, how you can get involved and share your views, Local Government Reorganisation | Shaping Hertfordshires Future. This will remain open until 30 September 2025. After this date councils will review all the feedback before submitting the final proposal to Government at the end of November.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council said, “My priority and that of this council is to do all we can to make Stevenage even better. We will engage our local community groups, businesses, and other wider stakeholders to capture their views. It is important that local people and organisations have their say and we will have conversations and listen to understand how we can achieve our goals to make Stevenage a place for everyone. However, for Stevenage, our priority remains to ensure that any changes benefit the residents and businesses in our town and to maintain our excellent local services.”

For press enquiries contact Corporate Communications on 01438 242168.