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 have been submitted to government:
- 2 unitary authorities (PDF 5.9MB) in Hertfordshire
- 3 unitary authorities (PDF 9.5MB)
- 4 unitary authorities (PDF 7.6MB)
The government will make the final decision as to which of these proposals will be implemented. More information can be found on the Hertfordshire LGR website.
Key dates
- Summer 2026 - Government decision on the number of new authorities
- May 2027 – Elections to new “shadow” authorities
- Enabling the future leaders to plan for the new council
- April 2028 – 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 LGR.
Possible options include:
- A Hertfordshire-wide strategic authority
- A combined authority with neighbouring counties
- A wider regional arrangement covering parts of multiple areas
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
