Devolution and local government reorganisation

The English Devolution White Paper published in December 2024 sets out the government's plans to devolve powers from national government to local areas, and for the wider reorganisation of local government. This will affect all existing councils in Hertfordshire, including North Herts.

Devolution

The white paper includes proposals on devolving powers and funding to new Mayoral Strategic Authorities.

These new authorities would be larger than individual councils and would mostly be led by directly elected mayors. They would be responsible for areas including housing, regeneration, local growth, transport, skills and employment support.

Local government reorganisation (LGR)

The government has set out plans to simplify the current two-tier system of district and county councils in England by replacing them with one or more unitary councils. They would be responsible for all local government services in their area.

The white paper talks about creating councils with a population of 500,000 residents or more, though there may be exceptions to this.

Interim submission

The government has asked councils to work together to make proposals for reorganisation.

Alongside the other Hertfordshire councils we submitted an interim proposal to the government on 20 March 2025.

In May 2025 we received feedback from central government on the interim proposal. The feedback was generally positive in nature about the work undertaken so far. The broad points are summarised below:

• No preferred solution yet: the feedback does not indicate a preference for either the single county unitary authority proposal (put forward by Herts County Council) or the proposals for two, three or four unitary authorities. The feedback simply notes that all proposals should clearly set out the case for each approach. Their preferred outcome is that a single agreed proposal comes from each area.
• Devolution: whatever form the reorganisation takes, the feedback makes clear that the new arrangements must clearly show how they would support devolution, and in particular the future Strategic Authority of which Hertfordshire would form a part.
• Financial stability: detailed proposals should show how the reorganisation can deliver sustainable services, achieve efficiencies, manage transition costs and improve financial resilience.
• Evidence and data: submitted proposals should be backed up with data and evidence, with details of expected outcomes and estimated costs. Councils are expected to work together to achieve this.
• Engagement: the feedback also makes clear that engagement with local communities and other stakeholders about the proposals is very important.

Final proposals for reorganisation must be submitted by 28 November 2025. After this the government will make a decision on taking a proposal forward. We will continue to provide updates as there are developments.

Timeline