The Government has announced that it has withdrawn the decision to create four new unitary councils in Hertfordshire as part of LGR alongside decisions for a number of other areas. The Government will continue its review of these areas and expects to announce some new 'minded to' decisions before the end of the year and the remainder early in the new year. It is not yet known when Hertfordshire’s final decision will be made. These 'minded to' decisions will be subject to a short period of review, allowing representations from stakeholders before a final decision is made.
The Government has also confirmed that it will release half of the allocated transition funding, approximately £2 million, to Hertfordshire in November. The remaining funding will be provided once a final decision has been reached.
Shadow Authority elections will now take place in May 2028, with the new authorities scheduled to go live on 1 April 2029, one year later than originally planned.
While today's announcement means there is no confirmed reorganisation model for Hertfordshire, work across the county will continue. Councils in Hertfordshire will now carefully consider the implications of this announcement on the LGR programme and the work to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Hertfordshire as soon as possible following the announcement in the Budget. The county's councils remain committed to working collaboratively, engaging constructively with Government, and ensuring preparedness for the next stage of the process once further clarity is provided.
