Stevenage backs four-unitary council plan as Hertfordshire reorganisation progresses
Proposal to reorganise Hertfordshire’s councils is sparking a debate among local leaders.
The Labour-led Stevenage Borough Council has voted to support the creation of a new Central Hertfordshire unitary authority as part of a county-wide local government reorganisation.
Under the plans, Hertfordshire County Council and its 10 district councils would be abolished, replaced with unitary authorities responsible for all local government services in their areas. A joint submission from the county’s councils is set to be presented to the Government later this month, offering three possible models for reorganising Hertfordshire into two, three, or four unitaries.
Stevenage leaders expressed their support for the four-unitary model at a council meeting on 17th November and subsequent cabinet meeting the next day. If adopted, the proposal would merge Stevenage with North Herts and Welwyn Hatfield Councils into a new Central Hertfordshire authority serving approximately 352,000 residents, with 100 councillors.
Financial modelling suggests the four-unitary model could save up to £124 million across the first 10 years compared to the current system. Stevenage Borough Council leader Richard Henry emphasised the benefits of the proposal, saying, “I believe our future is best served by the four-unitary model… It makes sense for our town.”
Deputy leader Jeannette Thomas added that the plan would bring council services closer to residents and allow for local decision-making.
However, the proposals have faced criticism. Liberal Democrat opposition councillor Andy McGuinness accused the council of “gerrymandering” by joining Labour-led authorities. North Herts Council is managed by a Labour minority administration, while Welwyn Hatfield operates under a joint Labour-Liberal Democrat arrangement.
Stevenage’s sole Conservative councillor, Phil Bibby, supported a two-unitary model that would divide Hertfordshire into East and West, arguing it could save up to £418 million in the first decade, significantly more than the four-unitary option.
“Do residents really care which council is providing their services? As long as their bins are collected and roads are fixed, they don’t care where it comes from,” Cllr Bibby said.
Meanwhile, North Herts Council's cabinet decision on their preferred model is due on 19th November. Welwyn Hatfield cabinet members endorsed the four-unitary option despite the full council favouring two unitaries.
A government consultation on Hertfordshire’s restructuring proposals is expected to take place in spring 2024, followed by a final decision in the summer. Should the plans proceed, elections to the new unitaries are provisionally scheduled for May 2027, with the new councils set to take over responsibilities in 2028.