Next steps
All 11 councils in Hertfordshire and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) have agreed a joint interim response to the Government outlining a number of initial options for the reorganisation of local government structures in the county. This was submitted to Government on 20 March 2025.
At the end of May 2025 the Government provided initial feedback on the interim proposals.
The feedback is topline and has not ruled out any of the options at this stage. The Government has clarified that the 500,000 population figure quoted is a guiding principle, but that any proposed authorities with more or less than this figure must be justified.
Each council is permitted to submit one proposal. The councils in Hertfordshire will continue to work together in order to reach a consensus and submit one overall proposal by the 28 November deadline.
Specialist working groups, consisting of representatives from all Hertfordshire councils, have now been set up and work will start in earnest to formulate the final proposals.
Detailed proposals must be submitted by 28 November 2028.
The Government will then decide whether it agrees with the proposals and direct the next steps. If the proposals are accepted, it is possible that changes to council structures could be implemented from 2028.
Broxbourne Borough Council wants to protect the interests of residents in a new unitary authority. Broxbourne has the lowest council tax of the 10 districts and boroughs in Hertfordshire and a strong focus on regeneration and economic growth. The Council does not want local residents to lose
these advantages.
The councils in Hertfordshire are in the process of gathering evidence which will help to inform proposals going forward. As part of that, the Council would like to hear your views. Send an email to LGR@Broxbourne.gov.uk to share your thoughts on the Government’s plans.