Four unitary councils to run Hertfordshire from 2028

Hertfordshire's county and district councils will be replaced by four unitary authorities from May 2028, the government has announced.

The roles of the county and district council in East Herts will be replaced by a new Eastern Hertfordshire Council, serving the communities of the existing Broxbourne Borough Council and East Herts District Council, plus the Northaw & Cuffley borough council ward from the existing Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council area and Royston Heath, Royston Palace, Royston Meridian, Ermine, Weston and Sandon district council wards from North Herts Council.

Outlining the reasons behind its decision, the Government said that the four unitary council model reflects Hertfordshire’s distinct economic areas, the connection to local communities, a tailored approach to services and provides a strong foundation for devolution in Hertfordshire.

Last year the government asked Hertfordshire's councils to submit proposals for local government reorganisation last year, with East Herts suggesting the county should be split in to three.

At present, responsibility for providing services is split between the district and county council. East Herts District Coucil is responsible for services including planning, refuse collection, car parks and licensing, whilst Hertfordshire County Council are responsible for services like education, highways and  social care. 

While the creation of four unitary councils for the county was not our preferred model, we believe local government should be exactly that - local. We are pleased that decision-making will remain closer to our communities than it would have under the other options.

We are also pleased that most of the boundary changes have been confirmed. These will bring additional areas into the eastern unitary council, of which East Herts will be part, and are an important step towards ensuring its long-term financial sustainability. As the smallest unitary council in Hertfordshire, it will be essential that it has all the resources it needs to deliver high quality local services, and we will continue to press for that assurance.

:: Leader of East Herts Council, Councillor Ben Crystall

Elections will take place in May 2027 for a 'shadow' group of councillors to set up the new authorities, while the existing councils continue to run services. Then, on 1st April 2028, the present councils will cease to operate and will hand over all their assets and responsibilities to the new bodies, on what is known as 'vesting day'.

More information can be found at https://www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk/