Hertfordshire councils face tight deadline for local government reorganisation plans
Hertfordshire councils have been given six weeks to develop interim proposals for local government restructuring, with full plans due by November 28
Councils across Hertfordshire have been tasked with creating interim plans for the reorganisation of local government within just six weeks, with full proposals expected by the end of November.
This move comes as part of the government's plan to transform areas with a two-tier local government structure, such as Hertfordshire, into single-tier unitary authorities. The county currently operates with 10 district and borough councils and one county council. The government has outlined the expectation for interim plans to be submitted by March 21, followed by complete proposals by November 28.
In response to this, Hertfordshire County Council leader, Cllr Richard Roberts, acknowledged the significant challenge posed by the tight timescale. He said, "The impact will be felt for generations to come, and the time-scales they have set present a significant demand on all councils in Hertfordshire."
Cllr Roberts highlighted the difficult balance that councils must strike between preparing proposals and continuing to provide essential services. "With financial and staffing pressures on every council in the county, I am concerned about the need to now balance the ongoing provision of high-quality services with the significant work required to prepare proposals for new council structures," he added.
The process has sparked differing opinions on the future model of local government in the county. However, Cllr Roberts expressed his commitment to working collaboratively with district and borough councils to ensure that services are protected and businesses supported. "I am committed to working together with district and borough councils to find the best way to protect and enhance services to our residents, support our businesses to grow, and provide value for money," he said.
While the planning is still in the early stages, Cllr Roberts reassured the public that collaboration is already underway between all 11 councils in Hertfordshire, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and other stakeholders. "All 11 councils in Hertfordshire, with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, are already collaborating to develop a shared evidence base to inform the options available to our county," he stated.
Though Cllr Roberts stressed that he had not been actively seeking changes to the local government structure, he acknowledged that the government's push for reorganisation means maintaining the status quo is no longer an option.
The work, still in its early phases, will involve consultations with residents, businesses, local government partners, and other key stakeholders, with updates to be provided along the way.