Over the course of the next few weeks, councils across Hertfordshire will make decisions on which unitary authority model they are supporting.

Following the Government's invitation to councils in two-tier authority areas to submit plans for local government reorganisation, all ten district councils, and the county council have been working collaboratively to review options.  

Councils agreed to detailed modelling of three different options, with two, three or four new councils being created with varying geography, population, and approach to services. This evidence-based approach was agreed by all 11 councils, and the potential options will now be considered democratically by councillors in each council. It also takes into account feedback from the public engagement that took place across Hertfordshire in September.   

Each council will provide the opportunity for councillors to debate the merits of each option before deciding which of the three options they believe will offer the best opportunities for local residents and partners.

The joint submission will be made to Government on 28 November and will include evidence to support the three unitary model options. The document can be viewed at: Www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk

 A decision is expected from the Government in summer 2026.

Councillor Steve Jarvis, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: "The debates over the coming weeks will show Hertfordshire's strong local democracy in action.  

"While views differ, all councils will continue to work in partnership whatever the Government's final decision to make sure Local Government Reorganisation delivers our shared ambition for high-quality services that efficiently meet residents' needs and enable local people to be at the heart of decision making. 

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"The creation of the new unitary councils will also unlock the prize of a devolution and opportunity for greater sustainable growth for our county. I have written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with the backing of our public sector partners and business representatives, to request that we progress towards a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Hertfordshire on the same timeline as Local Government Reorganisation."