Hertfordshire’s 11 two-tier councils tell Government they could be replaced by up to four new unitary authorities

The 11 two-tier councils in Hertfordshire have told the Government the hundreds of services they provide to the county’s 1.2 million residents could be taken on by up to four new unitary authorities.

Hertfordshire County Council (HCC), the 10 district and borough councils – including East Herts and neighbouring North Herts, Stevenage, Welwyn Hatfield and Broxbourne – and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) have agreed a joint interim response to Whitehall outlining initial options under local government reorganisation in the county.

While a joint submission – setting out options ranging from one to four unitary councils providing all services – has been agreed, councils have differing views on them and no decisions are being made at this stage.

Cllr Richard Roberts, the Conservative leader of HCC, said: “We need to do what’s right for residents and businesses, right for the delivery of public services and right for the long-term future of our county.”

On February 5, the Government invited councils in all two-tier areas to submit an interim plan by Friday March 21 for moving to a single tier of unitary councils providing all services.

A spokesman for HCC said: “Hertfordshire councils’ and the OPCC’s shared priorities are ensuring any changes benefit residents and businesses, excellent local government services are maintained, residents are kept safe, and strong democratic accountability is available to communities across the county.”

All 11 councils and the OPCC worked together to produce the interim submission, which has been shared with councillors at each individual organisation and with Hertfordshire’s 12 MPs, including Hertford and Stortford’s Josh Dean.

Their submission also includes early thinking on how each option could support devolution, improve services, deliver value for money and maintain strong links to communities.

Councils and the OPCC will continue to collaborate over the coming months to collate and analyse further evidence for each option.

Government feedback on the interim submission will inform the development of final proposals to be submitted by the councils and OPCC by November 28 this year for a decision by ministers.

The HCC spokesman said: “The views of residents, businesses, local government partners, colleagues and other stakeholders across the public and private sectors will be essential as proposals develop. All councils and the OPCC are committed to providing updates throughout the process.”

Cllr Roberts said: “Hertfordshire is England’s county of opportunity, with consistently high-performing council services, and I am determined to make sure it continues to be a great place to live, work and invest.

“The reform of local government is not a change we have initiated, but we are responding positively and proactively as a county to meet the very tight timescales set by the Government.

“This submission is a stepping stone to deeper understanding of the evidence and meaningful engagement with our partners, residents, businesses and Government which are needed before making decisions on the final proposals.

“Reshaping our local government structures presents a major challenge and I recognise there are a range of views on the best option for Hertfordshire. I am clear that any future plan must protect the capacity and resilience of vital services such as adults and children’s social care, and provide good value for money.

“We must also keep our eyes on the ultimate prize of a devolution deal with a more galvanised, streamlined and forceful public sector to build on Hertfordshire’s many strengths and continue driving economic growth, improving public health and protecting the environment so our people and places thrive for generations to come.”

In Hertfordshire, the county council provides countywide services such as adult social care, children’s services, highways, education, the fire and rescue service and trading standards.

The 10 district and borough councils provide services such as waste collection, housing, planning, street cleaning, environmental health and leisure. They also administer council tax.

The Police and Crime Commissioner – currently Tory Jonathan Ash-Edwards – is responsible for the oversight of policing across the county.