Watford Council’s cabinet has passed its new Council Plan and Delivery Plan for 2026-28...
Mapping out the council’s priorities over the next two years, these crucial documents clearly set out how it will deliver on its big aspirations for Watford.
Under five themes sit a range of commitments focused on caring for everyone across the borough, boosting the health and happiness of residents, fighting for a cleaner, safer and greener town and supporting the thriving local economy.
Created to nurture the things that matter most to Watford’s communities, its wide-reaching commitments include:
- Providing better sports facilities with improved cricket and basketball facilities, an outdoor gym for young people and more accessible playgrounds in our parks.
- Making the town safer by expanding the network of 300 CCTV cameras and employing a Park Guard to provide extra patrols.
- Keeping increases in council tax to a minimum and below the rate of inflation.
- Increasing the number of award-winning Green Flag parks, planting 10,000 more trees, continuing our work to restore the River Colne and making Watford Leisure Centre more energy efficient.
- Continuing to provide free community events, such as the Cassiobury Park fireworks and Big Screen, as well as bringing back a town centre ice rink during the winter months.
- Opening a new Innovation Hub, Museum of Watford - The MoW, cafe and community space at the Town Hall.
Condensed into two years, the Plan also aligns with local government reorganisation – through which Watford Borough Council will be dissolved on 1 April 2028 and merged with neighbouring councils and Hertfordshire County Council services. Acting as a springboard for the future, it aims to put Watford and its communities in the best possible position to thrive in the new local government structure.
Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor explained: “This rejuvenated Council Plan has been shaped by what matters most to our residents and businesses, focusing on delivering real benefits for them. It builds on our success over the last four years with bold commitments, reflecting the energy and enthusiasm of the council, our partners and our town.
“Along with the rest of Hertfordshire, Watford is going through a huge transformation. Everything we do under this Plan is geared towards achieving lasting impact for the town. A big part of this is celebrating and protecting Watford’s unique and dynamic character, so that our vibrant communities can continue to flourish long into the future.”
Watford’s Council Plan and Delivery Plan 2026-28 are due to go to Full Council for final approval next month. You can view the draft Council Plan and Delivery Plan online.
