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Local Government Shake-Up: What’s Next for Hertfordshire?

The UK government’s proposal to replace Hertfordshire’s two-tier local governance system with unitary authorities has sparked a heated debate across the county. While the initiative promises streamlined administration, cost savings, and improved service delivery, it also raises significant concerns about the erosion of local representation and community identity. As Hertfordshire stands on the brink of potentially transformative changes, it is imperative to carefully weigh the benefits of efficiency against the risks of losing the nuanced, community-focused governance that has long defined the county.

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The Promise of Unitary Authorities

At its core, the government’s push for unitary authorities is driven by a desire to simplify local governance. The current two-tier system, which divides responsibilities between Hertfordshire County Council and ten district and borough councils, is often criticized for its complexity and inefficiency. By consolidating these layers into a single authority or a smaller number of unitary bodies, the government aims to reduce administrative duplication, cut costs, and create a more cohesive approach to service delivery.

For Hertfordshire, which boasts a population of approximately 1.2 million, the creation of a single unitary authority could offer significant advantages. A unified structure would enable more strategic planning, particularly in areas like housing, transportation, and infrastructure, where coordinated efforts are essential to address the county’s rapid growth. For instance, integrating planning and housing under one authority could lead to more effective solutions to the county’s pressing need for affordable homes. Additionally, economies of scale could result in cost savings, freeing up resources for other critical services.

However, the allure of efficiency must be balanced against the potential downsides. A single unitary authority covering the entire county risks creating a bureaucratic behemoth that is distant from the communities it serves. Hertfordshire’s ten district and borough councils currently provide a level of granularity in governance that allows for tailored responses to the unique needs of areas like St Albans, Watford, and Stevenage. A one-size-fits-all approach could undermine this local focus, leaving residents feeling disconnected from their government.

Councils’ Responses: A Mixed Reaction

The government’s proposal has elicited a range of responses from Hertfordshire’s district and borough councils, reflecting the complexity of the issue. While some councils have expressed cautious optimism, others have voiced strong opposition, particularly to the idea of a single unitary authority.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, for example, has been vocal in its criticism. Council Leader Max Holloway has argued that Hertfordshire’s size and diversity make it unsuitable for a single unitary model. “With a growing population of 1.2 million, I believe that Hertfordshire is too big to be run by a single unitary council,” he stated. Holloway’s concerns echo a broader sentiment among local leaders who fear that larger governing bodies could dilute local decision-making and overlook the specific needs of individual communities.

Council Leader for Broxbourne Borough Council Mark Mills-Bishop in his remarks in our podcast interview rallied against the proposed formation of a unitary authority. He insisted that local decisions should be made locally. “I want decisions to be made locally by the people who know this borough and its unique needs,” he asserted, emphasising the importance of preserving Broxbourne Borough Council as a standalone administration. For him, the proposal to dissolve local councils into larger unitary authorities undermines the very essence of local representation. 

North Hertfordshire District Council, meanwhile, has taken a more measured approach, acknowledging the government’s invitation and committing to a thorough review of the proposal. This cautious stance reflects the council’s recognition of both the potential benefits and challenges of restructuring.

The Case for Multiple Unitary Authorities

Given these concerns, the option of dividing Hertfordshire into two or three unitary authorities deserves serious consideration. Splitting the county into two authorities, each serving around 550,000 residents, would align with the government’s population guidelines while preserving a degree of local focus. This model could strike a balance between efficiency and community engagement, ensuring that decision-making remains closer to the people it affects.

Alternatively, establishing three unitary authorities based on shared community identities could further enhance local representation. For example, grouping districts with similar characteristics—such as urban centers like Watford and Stevenage alongside their surrounding areas—could foster more tailored governance. This approach would allow for policies that reflect the unique needs and priorities of different parts of the county, from the bustling streets of Watford to the rural villages of East Hertfordshire.

However, this model is not without its challenges. Determining the boundaries of these authorities would require careful consideration to ensure equitable resource distribution and avoid creating disparities in service quality. Additionally, smaller authorities may struggle to achieve the same economies of scale as a single unitary body, potentially limiting cost savings.

Lessons from Elsewhere

The experiences of other regions that have undergone similar reforms offer valuable insights. In Cornwall, the creation of a single unitary authority in 2009 led to significant cost savings and streamlined services. However, it also faced criticism for reducing local accountability and creating a sense of detachment from communities. Similarly, in Durham, the transition to a unitary model has been praised for its efficiency but criticised for its impact on local representation.

Hertfordshire must learn from these examples, ensuring that any restructuring prioritizes both efficiency and the preservation of local voice. This will require a thoughtful approach that balances the benefits of larger authorities with the need for community-focused governance.

Public Engagement: A Critical Component

One of the most significant challenges facing the reform process is the lack of widespread public engagement. While some councils, such as Broxbourne Borough Council and Dacorum Borough Council, have initiated efforts to gather resident feedback, many Hertfordshire residents remain unaware of the proposed changes or their potential implications.

Send an email to [email protected] to share your thoughts on the Government’s plans.

Effective public engagement is crucial for the legitimacy of any governance restructuring. Residents must be given the opportunity to voice their concerns, ask questions, and contribute to the decision-making process. Town hall meetings, public consultations, and online surveys can help bridge this gap, ensuring that the voices of Hertfordshire’s diverse communities are heard.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has taken a commendable step in this direction, committing to keep residents and businesses informed as discussions progress. Other councils must follow suit, prioritising transparency and inclusivity in their approach to the reform process.

The Path Forward

As Hertfordshire navigates the complexities of potential local government reorganisation, it is essential to adopt a balanced and inclusive approach. The government’s timelines for submitting proposals—interim proposals by March 21, 2025, and full proposals by November 28, 2025—leave little room for delay. However, rushing the process without adequate public consultation and careful consideration of the implications would be a grave mistake.

Councils must work collaboratively to develop proposals that reflect the needs and aspirations of Hertfordshire’s residents. This will require open dialogue, a willingness to compromise, and a commitment to putting the interests of the community first.

Moreover, the government must provide adequate support and resources to facilitate a smooth transition. The dissolution of district and borough councils, the redistribution of powers, and the establishment of new governance structures will require careful planning and investment. Without sufficient funding and guidance, the reform risks creating disruption and undermining its own objectives.

Conclusion

The proposed local government reforms present Hertfordshire with an opportunity to modernise its governance and improve service delivery. However, the county must tread carefully, ensuring that the pursuit of efficiency does not come at the expense of local representation and community identity. Whether through a single unitary authority or a divided model, the ultimate goal should be to create a governance structure that is both effective and responsive to the needs of Hertfordshire’s residents.

As the debate unfolds, one thing is clear: the decisions made will shape the future of local governance in Hertfordshire for generations to come. By prioritising transparency, inclusivity, and a commitment to community-focused governance, Hertfordshire can navigate this transition in a way that strengthens, rather than undermines, its vibrant and diverse communities.

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Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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