Update on Local Government Reorganisation, including Hertfordshire

The Government is reviewing its Local Government Reorganisation programme. This means plans to replace Hertfordshire’s existing council structure with four new unitary authorities have been paused. The decision was announced on 7th September 2026.

Background

In December 2024, the Government published a White Paper proposing that areas in England with two tiers of local government – a county council and district or borough councils – move to a single-tier system. This would be through the creation of unitary authorities and includes Hertfordshire, which currently has:
• Hertfordshire County Council, responsible for services including education, highways, libraries, children’s services and adult social care.
• 10 district and borough councils, responsible for services such as housing, planning, waste collection, leisure facilities and car parks.

The aim of local government reorganisation was to simplify council structures. It was also intended to bring decision-making closer to communities, make savings and improve financial efficiency.

Following consultation, the Government announced in July 2026 that Hertfordshire would move to four new unitary authorities from April 2028, subject to parliamentary approval. Elections to shadow authorities were due to take place in May 2027.

The proposed authorities were:
• West Hertfordshire: covering the current Dacorum and St Albans council areas.
• South West Hertfordshire: covering the current Hertsmere, Three Rivers and Watford council areas.
• Central Hertfordshire: covering Stevenage, Welwyn Hatfield (excluding Northaw & Cuffley) and most of North Herts.
• East Hertfordshire and Broxbourne: covering the current Broxbourne and East Herts council areas, together with Northaw & Cuffley from Welwyn Hatfield and six wards from North Herts around Royston and surrounding villages.

Councils had also requested the creation of a Strategic Authority with countywide powers and an elected mayor. This authority would be responsible for areas such as transport, regional development and planning.

Why has the programme been paused?

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said the review has been paused to consider updated legal advice. It also wants to ensure the process aligns with the priorities of the new Prime Minister and Cabinet, who took office in late July 2026.

The review includes the withdrawal of reorganisation decisions affecting Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Several councils across the country had either launched, or were considering, legal challenges to the Government’s proposals. Hertfordshire County Council asked the Government to publish the evidence used to support the four-unitary model. It argued that this would be the most expensive and disruptive option for the county.
The council also highlighted consultation findings suggesting that a two-unitary option was the preferred model for many respondents, including residents and partner organisations.

More information is available from the Government at: www.gov.uk/government/news/review-of-local-government-reorganisation-launched

What does this mean for carers?

At this stage, nothing is changing for carers or the services that you or the person you support receive.

If you are an unpaid carer, you should continue to access support, information and services as normal.

Local elections scheduled for May 2027 are expected to go ahead using existing council boundaries.

Our commitment to carers

Carers in Hertfordshire will continue to:
• Support unpaid carers across the county.
• Work closely with local councils and partner organisations.
• Monitor developments, represent carers’ interests where possible and share updates as further information becomes available.