Plans to replace Hertfordshire councils with four unitary councils are paused

Plans to replace Hertfordshire councils with four unitary councils are paused The plans will now be reviewed by the Government. Author: LDRS Reporter Published 25 minutes ago Plans to split Hertfordshire into four unitary councils have been paused – and will now be reviewed by the Government. Hertfordshire County Council and the county's 10 district and borough councils would have been abolished in 2028. They would have been replaced with four unitary councils, each responsible for the delivery of all existing council services within their boundaries. But in a shock move earlier today (Monday, September 7), Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner announced that local government reorganisation plans for Hertfordshire – and 13 other areas – were to be reviewed. And she said decisions to reorganise four other areas – Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk – were to be withdrawn. Following the announcement, leader of the county council Cllr Steve Jarvis (Liberal Democrat, Royston West and Rural) told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he was 'pleased' the Government was now reviewing the decision. In July, members of the county council had voted to express 'profound concern' at the Government's decision to split Hertfordshire into four unitary authorities – backing calls to seek legal advice that could lead to a judicial review. And last week the county council had formally asked the Government to disclose the evidence for the decision that had been taken, including evidence, analysis and financial assessments. But although he hopes the Government review may result in a 'better solution', Cllr Jarvis stressed that it was 'an unsatisfactory way to proceed'. 'I am pleased that the Government is reviewing its decision, because I think they made the wrong decision,' he said. 'It's a bit of a shambles to do it like this, and it doesn't inspire great confidence, because there have been people working on implementing what they said they wanted us to do. It's not a great way to proceed." 'But if they are going to look again at what I think was not the best option for Hertfordshire, then that's something I would welcome.' The proposals to split Hertfordshire into four unitary council areas were one of the options submitted to Government, as part of plans for local government reorganisation – with other options proposing a two or three council split. Those opposed to the four unitary option have suggested that the 'dismantling' of Hertfordshire's 11 existing councils in order to create four new unitaries was 'unnecessary' and 'high risk'. And they have maintained that it risked creating authorities that are less financially resilient, with a reduced ability to respond to growing demand for social care and to the delivery of statutory services. Cllr Jarvis says it was difficult to know what today's decision will mean for Hertfordshire in the longer term – but hopes it may result in a better solution. 'It's a little difficult to know for certain what this means for Hertfordshire in the longer term,' he said. 'I am hopeful that they will decide to go ahead with a solution that involves less risk and less cost for the people of Hertfordshire – if indeed they decide to go ahead with anything at all.' Elections for 'shadow' authorities had been scheduled for next May (2027), with the new councils then taking over in 2028. But as part of the changes announced today, elections in May will be to existing councils, rather than the four unitaries. In the wake of the announcement, Angie Ridgwell – who is chief executive of Hertfordshire County Council and the senior responsible officer for the Hertfordshire LGR programme – has set out to reassure residents and staff. In a statement issued after the review was announced, she said: 'We will continue to work collaboratively across all Hertfordshire councils and engage constructively with ministers and officials throughout the review." 'We will also carefully consider any implications arising from its conclusions." 'Most importantly, we want to reassure residents and staff that our focus remains firmly on delivering high-quality services and supporting our communities." 'Whatever the outcome of the review, we will continue to work together in the best interests of Hertfordshire and keep residents informed as further information becomes available.' Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.