Hertfordshire's 11 councils are set to be abolished within two years and replaced with FOUR unitary authorities, as part of plans outlined in Parliament today (July 17).

Currently, Hertfordshire operates with a county council that delivers services such as education, social care, highways, waste disposal, trading standards and public health.

And 10 district and borough councils deliver a range of services within their own areas that include waste collection, parking, planning and leisure.

But as part of plans outlined by Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed, those councils are set to be replaced by four unitary authorities.

A new North West Hertfordshire authority would include areas currently covered by Dacorum and St Albans councils.

South West Hertfordshire would include areas currently covered by Hertsmere, Three Rivers and Watford councils.

Eastern Hertfordshire would include areas covered by Broxbourne and East Herts, as well as the North Herts wards of Royston Heath, Royston Palace, Royston Meridian, Ermine, Weston and Sandon and the Welwyn Hatfield ward of Northaw and Cuffley.

And Central Hertfordshire will include areas covered by Stevenage, North Herts and Welwyn Hatfield councils, excluding the North Herts and Welwyn Hatfield wards that would be in central.

In each case, the unitary authority would deliver all local government services within its boundary.

Elections to the new councils are expected in 2027 – with the new councils set to take over responsibility for local government from April 2028.

The creation of four unitary authorities was one of three options submitted to the Government by the leaders of Hertfordshire's existing 11 councils – alongside alternative proposals that would have divided the county in two or three.

According to the Government, the decision to back the four unitary option in Hertfordshire reflects the county's distinct economic areas.

And they say it will keep public services organised around where people live, work and travel.

Overall, Hertfordshire was one of 14 areas earmarked for local government reorganisation today – with 134 councils set to be streamlined into 38 unitaries overall.

Commenting on the plans Secretary of State Steve Reed said: "We're shaking up local government so that people get the services they deserve – cleaner streets, better care, and money spent on what matters most to local people.

"These reforms create stronger, more efficient councils that lay the foundations for real devolution and the economic growth that will bring new jobs and opportunities to communities right across England."