Hertfordshire County Council demanding answers over Government’s local authority changes
The county council says the decision could mean extra cost and disruption, and is demanding to see the evidence and financial assessments behind it
Hertfordshire County Council has formally requested that the Government provide evidence behind its decision to create four unitary councils in Hertfordshire as part of a Local Government Reorganisation.
Following a motion agreed by the Full Council in July, Hertfordshire County Council sought independent legal advice and issued a Pre-Action Protocol letter to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The letter aims to gain clarity on how the Government's decision was made and requests disclosure of any evidence, analysis, and financial assessments conducted, particularly concerning financial sustainability, the implications of the Fair Funding Review, and population size.
This request follows a lack of substantive response to earlier appeals for further information from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government since the end of July.
Hertfordshire’s next steps
The Council has clarified that this formal letter is not a decision to launch a judicial review nor an attempt to halt the Local Government Reorganisation process.
Hertfordshire County Council plans to continue collaborating with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Hertfordshire's district and borough councils, and local partners to prepare for the new local government framework anticipated in 2028.
Councillor Steve Jarvis, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, explained the Council’s reluctance in taking this step, emphasising the need for transparency and evidence-based decision-making in the best interests of the county.
The Government maintains that fewer, streamlined authorities will lead to clearer accountability and less duplication, which could result in financial savings.