Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation
In the English Devolution White Paper the Government state their plans to devolve power from Westminster to local areas and reform local government.
This includes a range of proposals on devolving more powers to local areas (devolution) and simplifying the local government structure (Local Government Reorganisation).
The Local Government Association Devolution Hub has more information about this.
About Local Government Reorganisation
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is the process of changing the structure and responsibilities of local authorities. The Government have set out plans to move away from the current two-tier system of district and county councils in England.
The Government has indicated that for most areas this will mean creating councils with a population of 500,000 or more. There may be exceptions to this to ensure the new structures make sense for an area. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Local councils affected by Local Government Reorganisation
Local Government Reorganisation will affect Hertfordshire County Council and the ten district and borough councils in the county. As well as Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, this includes Broxbourne Borough Council, Dacorum Borough Council, East Herts District Council, Hertsmere Borough Council, North Herts Council, St Albans City and District Council, Stevenage Borough Council, Three Rivers District Council and Watford Borough Council.
Our response to the Local Government Reorganisation
We are working with our local partners and councils to respond to the Government invitation received on 5 February 2025.
The final decision for Welwyn Hatfield was made at a Special Cabinet meeting on 17 November.
A joint submission was made to Government on 28 November, this can be viewed at the Local Government Reorganisation Shaping Hertfordshire's Future website.
We remain focused on delivering essential services across Welwyn Hatfield.