In a co-ordinated approach, all councils will engage with key strategic partners - including the NHS, police, education leaders, major employers, town and parish councils and voluntary and community sector groups – at both county-wide and district and borough level.

The engagement is underpinned by four core principles: transparency, consistency, inclusion, and accessibility. All 11 Councils in Hertfordshire are committed to working collaboratively and listening to a broad range of voices as they consider how local government in Hertfordshire could evolve. It aims to explore how future local government arrangements could better support shared priorities and improve services for residents.

This initial phase will focus on the principles and opportunities behind potential reorganisation options. It aims to build understanding of the process underway following the publication of the Government’s Devolution White Paper and invitation for all two-tier areas to submit proposals for creating a single tier of unitary councils. It will also explain the shared objectives of council leaders and gather input from strategic partners on how any future changes could support better local services and stronger accountability to ensure they are considered from the outset.

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 stakeholders in the initial phase of the future of local government to explain its objectives and capture their views. We will have conversations and listen to our strategic partners to see 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.”

The second phase of engagement, which will be launched in the coming months, will provide residents and wider stakeholders with the opportunity to learn more about the potential options for the future of local government in Hertfordshire, ask questions, and share their views directly. Details of these engagement opportunities will be shared closer to the time. Councils will also be organising significant engagement with their workforce during this period.

All 11 councils are working together to assess what local government structures would best serve Hertfordshire’s communities, services, and places. This is an opportunity to build a responsive and resilient system of local government - one that reflects local identity while unlocking long-term benefits for residents and communities.

Final proposals must be submitted to the government on 28 November 2025.