21 Dec 2024
SADC leader Cllr Paul de Kort has signed a joint statement released by 10 Herts councils asking whether a single unitary authority would be right for the county.
The Labour Government has announced plans to extend devolution to all parts of England, providing additional powers and funding flexibility for elected mayors, and replacing the current system of two-tier local government with unitary authorities.
This means scrapping county and district councils, creating new unitary councils with populations of at least 500,000 people, in order to deliver efficiency savings and improve public services.
In response to the proposals, a statement has been released by Peter Taylor, elected Mayor of Watford, Cllr Richard Henry, leader of Stevenage Borough Council, Cllr Jeremy Newmark, leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, leader of Three Rivers District Council, Cllr Paul de Kort, leader of St Albans City and District Council, Cllr Max Holloway, leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, Cllr Daniel Allen, leader of North Hertfordshire Council, Cllr Adrian England, leader of Dacorum Borough Council, Cllr Mark Mills-Bishop, leader of Broxbourne Borough Council, and Cllr Ben Crystal, leader of East Herts District Council.
It reads: “Following the publication of the Devolution White Paper, and subsequent statements by the leader of Hertfordshire County Council, we would like to make it clear that we do not support the creation of one unitary council for Hertfordshire.
“Our county is diverse and made up of over 1.2 million residents across urban, suburban, and rural areas. Any reform of local government in Hertfordshire should follow a period of proper consultation with residents, businesses, elected representatives and stakeholders. Looking at the evidence, we should decide collectively what is best for our area. A single unitary council for the county risks diminishing local representation, with decision-making that is remote from the communities we serve.
“We do not support postponing the county council elections scheduled for May 2025. The Government has indicated that this will only happen in priority areas who have clear and agreed plans. This is not the case in Hertfordshire, so we cannot be in the first phase of these reforms.
“We recognise that the Government’s White Paper sets a clear direction of travel. As Hertfordshire’s district and borough council leaders, we want to work collaboratively with others to agree how we respond to this. Any changes must be carefully considered, transparent, and inclusive, ensuring that residents and businesses are fully engaged in shaping the future governance of Hertfordshire.
“Our objective must be to get this right for our residents and businesses. That cannot be achieved if we make rushed decisions that have not been given the serious consideration that they deserve.”
