Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and Devolution

LGR decision paused

On 29 October 2026 the government announced that the decision to create a new authority covering the area of South West Hertforshire, serving the communities of the existing Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere councils, has been withdrawn. The government will reconsider the proposals submitted to it in November 2025. A decision is expected to be made by early 2027.

For further information regarding what this means for residents, please see the information below and visit the Hertfordshire LGR website (link opens in new tab).

Background

In December 2024, the UK Government published proposals for major changes to how local government is structured and run.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Local government structures vary across the country. In Hertfordshire, there are currently three types of councils:

County Councils

Hertfordshire County Council are responsible for county-wide services such as:

  • Social services
  • Education
  • Highways

District and Borough Councils

Watford Borough Council is one of ten district or borough councils in Hertfordshire. They provide services including:

  • Housing
  • Planning
  • Parking

Parish and Town Councils

There are 124 parish or town councils across Hertfordshire. There are none in Watford. They provide very local services such as:

  • Village Hall management
  • Community events

Parish and town councils are not directly affected by LGR.

What is changing?

Under the government’s proposals:

  • County, district and borough councils will be combined and reorganised into a smaller number of unitary authorities
  • These new councils will deliver all local services currently provided by county, borough and district councils

Council leaders across Hertfordshire have been working together to identify the best solution for residents. Three proposals were submitted to government:

Following the withdrawal of the initial four unitary decision, the government will again consider all three proposals. More information can be found on the Hertfordshire LGR website.

Key dates

  • Ealry 2027 - Government decision on the number of new authorities
  • May 2028 – Anticipated as the most likely date for elections to new “shadow” authorities
    • Enabling the future leaders to plan for the new council
  • April 2020 – New councils go live (“vesting day”)
    • Watford Borough Council will cease to exist

Further key dates can be found on the Hertfordshire LGR website.

Devolution

Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from the UK Government to local areas, giving local leaders more control over decisions. One way this may happen is through the creation of strategic authorities, led by elected mayors. These would sit above the new unitary councils created through the LGR, or above existing councils in Hertfordshire if the LGR process is still to be fully implemented.

Mayoral Strategic Authority for Hertfordshire

The government has announced that it is in the final stages of agreeing a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Hertfordshire.

Similar models already exist in other parts of England, including:

  • Greater London Authority
  • Greater Manchester Combined Authority
  • South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority

What this means for local services

Short term: There will be minimal impact on day-to-day services during the transition.

Longer term: The new structure is expected to bring benefits, including:

  • Cost savings and efficiency
    • Reduced duplication of roles and systems
  • Stronger strategic decision-making
    • Better long-term planning across larger areas
  • Improved service coordination
    • More seamless, joined-up services for residents across all areas
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