Help shape Hertfordshire’s future – have your say on changes to local government
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 (besides parish councils):
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 at https://www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk/.
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.
St Albans City and District Council will be holding their Local Government Reorganisation Community Information Evening on Thursday 18 September.
The event will feature a presentation from the Council Leader, Councillor Paul de Kort, and a question-and-answer session.
It will take place in the Council Chamber, at the Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, AL1 3JE, at 6.30pm.
Residents are invited to attend in person or they can watch online.
A limited number of tickets are available to attend in person at https://StAlbansLGRevent.eventbrite.com.
The event will be webcast live on the Council’s website with the recording made available afterwards: https://stalbans.public-i.tv/core/portal/home.
Councillor de Kort said:
Our Local Government Reorganisation Information Evening on Thursday 18 September is an opportunity for residents, community groups, local businesses and others to learn more about current proposals in Hertfordshire.
There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and share views. We hope lots of people will take this chance to join the discussion and find out more.
Contact for the media: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer: 01727-819533; john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.