Mayor of Hertfordshire could have wide powers

The leader of Hertfordshire County Council has written to the government suggesting that upcoming reorganisation of local government should include a Mayoral Stategic Authority for the county.

The new Mayor would have countywide powers, potentially including Transport and local infrastructure, Skills and employment support, Housing and strategic planning, Economic development and regeneration, Environment and climate change, Health, wellbeing and public service reform; and Public safety.

The unitary authorities would still take over many county council services, including education, social care, highways, housing, planning and waste.

The government has pledged to abolish the system of two-tier councils, replacing them with unitary authorities.

The county council will shortly be publishing a new cconomic strategy, Get Hertfordshire Working Plan, and Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Next year will see work on a new Local Transport Plan, Digital/AI Strategy and Spatial Development Strategy. These initiatives would should be inherited by a new Mayor, helping develop Hertfordshire's Local Growth Plan and investment priorities as soon as they take office, claims Mr.Jarvis.

The letter is co-signed by Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, Chair of Hertfordshire Growth Board Peter Taylor, Acting Chair of Hertfordshire & West Essex Integrated Care Board Professor Gurch Randhawa, Chair of Hertfordshire Futures Adrian Hawkins OBE, and Pro Vice-Chancellor of University of Hertfordshire Adrian Hawkins OBE.

You can find out more about local government reorganisation on the dedicated website Local Government Reorganisation - Shaping Hertfordshire's Future.