Residents and organisations across Hertfordshire are reminded to have their say on proposals to change the structure of local government in the county.
A seven-week statutory consultation was launched by the Government in early February asking for views on Hertfordshire’s proposals for Local Government Reorganisation.
Under the Government’s plan, the existing 11 councils in Hertfordshire will be replaced by new unitary councils that will deliver all services currently provided by the county council and the district/borough councils.
In November 2025, Hertfordshire's councils, together with the Police and Crime Commissioner, submitted proposals for two, three and four unitary council models for the Government to consider.
Full details of the three proposals, including business cases, financial analysis, maps showing the proposed boundaries, and a link to the Government’s consultation are available at: www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk
Paper copies of the Government’s consultation are also available in council reception areas and in Hertfordshire libraries.
The Government’s consultation will close on 26 March 2026.
A decision from the Government is expected in summer 2026.
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Notes to Editors:
Two unitary council model
In the two unitary model two unitary councils would be formed:
- Eastern (Broxbourne, East Herts, North Herts, Stevenage and Welwyn Hatfield)
- West (Dacorum, Hertsmere, St Albans, Three Rivers and Watford),
Each authority would serve approximately 600,000 residents.
Three unitary council model
In the three unitary model, three unitary councils would be formed:
- Eastern (Broxbourne, East Herts, North Herts, Stevenage)
- West (Dacorum, Three Rivers, Watford, plus Bushey from Hertsmere)
- Central (Hertsmere, St Albans, Welwyn Hatfield).
Populations in each authority would range from 350,000 to 480,000.
Four unitary council model
In the four unitary council model four unitary authorities would be formed:
- Eastern (Broxbourne, East Herts, plus six wards from North Herts and Cuffley & Northaw from Welwyn Hatfield)
- Central (North Herts, Stevenage, Welwyn Hatfield)
- South West (Hertsmere, Three Rivers, Watford)
- West (Dacorum, St Albans).
Each authority would serve 290,000–320,000 residents.
The three unitary and four unitary models include requests for boundary modifications to reflect local communities.