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.
Our Frequently Asked Questions page has more information about what is happening.
Government announces review of LGR
On 7 September 2026 the Government announced a review of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) decisions, including those affecting Hertfordshire.
For more information on the Government's position view the Ministerial letter on LGR in Hertfordshire 7 September 2026.
In July 2026 the Government announced a decision on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Hertfordshire to create four new unitary councils, subject to parliamentary approval.
The new authorities would take over responsibility for delivering the services currently provided by the county council and the district and borough councils in that area.
The new unitary authorities proposed were:
West Hertfordshire - serving the communities of the existing Dacorum Borough Council and St Albans City & District Council
South West Hertfordshire - serving the communities of the existing Hertsmere Borough Council, Three Rivers District Council and Watford Borough Council
Central Hertfordshire - serving the communities of the existing North Herts Council (minus five district council wards), Stevenage Borough Council and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (minus the Northaw & Cuffley borough council ward)
East Hertfordshire and Broxbourne – serving the communities of the existing Broxbourne Borough Council and East Herts District Council, plus the Northaw & Cuffley ward from the existing Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council area and five district council wards from North Herts Council.
More information about Local Government Reorganisation in Hertfordshire can be found at hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk.
Our response to the Local Government Reorganisation
We are committed to ensuring a seamless transition into the future authority and work is underway on building a strong, financially stable and accountable system of local government in Hertfordshire.
We remain focused on continuing to provide all our usual services in Welwyn Hatfield until the new authorities are created.