Leading Conservative county councillor Richard Roberts has slammed the decision to "pause" the planned reorganisation of local government in Hertfordshire as "another screeching u-turn from a chaotic and incoherent Government".

Other political leaders on the county council have reacted more positively to the opportunity it will give to review the plans for local government reorganisation (LGR).

According to the LGR plans, Hertfordshire's existing two-tier council structure would have been abolished in 2028.

And at that point the services previously delivered by the county council and the 10 district and borough councils would transfer to four new unitaries.

Concerns had been expressed by some county councillors about the plans to split Hertfordshire into four – rather than alternative proposals for two or three unitaries.

And on Monday (September 7) Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner announced that the plans for Hertfordshire – and 13 other areas- were to be reviewed.

Reacting to the announcement, leader of the county council opposition Cllr Richard Roberts (Conservative, Kings Langley) said the process has been "chaotic and rushed", and "ill thought through from the beginning".

He said: "This whole process has been so rushed and so badly thought through that reorganisation for 20 million people across the country is having to be rethought.

"So much money has been wasted, millions, when the focus should always have been on delivering for residents today and a better tomorrow."

Following the announcement by the Secretary of State, leader of the county council Cllr Steve Jarvis (Liberal Democrat, Royston West and Rural) said he was "pleased" that the Government was now reviewing the decision.

And in a further statement, he said: "The Government's decision to create four new unitary authorities in Hertfordshire is not in the best interests of our county, and I am pleased that the Government has decided to review it.

"It is the most expensive, disruptive and complex option, with serious concerns about one of the new councils having a budget deficit from day one.

"The Government must now complete this review as soon as possible so that we have clarity on Local Government Reorganisation and devolution in Hertfordshire.

"In the meantime, we will continue to work closely with district and borough councils to ensure that residents continue to receive high-quality services now and in the future."

Leader of the county council's Labour group Cllr Nigel Bell was among those who backed the option to create four unitary authorities – rather than two or three.

And he says the planned review will ensure that the LGR process is "as robust as possible".

"This Labour Government is determined to put power in every postcode, and the Prime Minister is clear that effective and sustainable local government plays a huge part in achieving that," said Cllr Bell (Labour, West Watford).

"I welcome the government's determination to increase devolution. Hertfordshire will benefit from the increased powers over planning and Transport and other areas that we have long awaited.

"Make no mistake that Labour remains committed to giving more power to local people in towns and villages here in Hertfordshire – this review just ensures that the process of Local Government Reorganisation is as robust as possible."

The review has also been welcomed by leader of the Reform group on the county council Cllr Doug Bainbridge (Reform, Old Stevenage).

Cllr Bainbridge points to a lack of consultation leading up to the government's decision to back the proposal for four unitaries.

And he says the review will allow for the plans to be "looked at properly", so they are "the best way forward for the people of Hertfordshire".

He says he would rather see greater efficiencies made within the current two-tier structure – by reducing the number of councillors and ensuring better value for money for taxpayers.

And in response to the government's announcement, he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "Reform, in principle, was not objecting to LGR, they were objecting to the undemocratic process that took place.

"Reform UK would potentially support LGR if it could be proved that there would be higher quality services and savings to be made at local government level."

Adding: "We would like to thank all the staff at Hertfordshire County Council for all the patience during this process – and regret any stress that has been caused with regard to the whole process.

"We can all relax for some time now, take stock of the next phase, and hopefully have more clarity moving forward."