Hertfordshire is what's known as a two-tier area with the county council responsible for services such as highways and transport, adult social care and children's services, and 10 district and borough councils providing services such as bin collections, leisure and housing.

As part of their plans to reshape local government, the Government requested councils in all two-tier areas to submit initial proposals for moving to a single tier of unitary councils providing all services.

Hertfordshire’s councils and the OPCC shared priority remains ensuring that any changes benefit residents and businesses, maintains our excellent local government services, and enables strong democratic accountability to our communities.

Officers from all 11 councils and the OPCC worked together to produce the interim plan and updates have been provided to elected members at each individual organisation. The submission sets out several options for further consideration, ranging from one to four unitary councils providing all services. It also includes early thinking on how each option could support devolution, improve services, deliver value for money and maintain strong links to communities.

While a joint submission has been agreed, councils have differing views on the options set out and no decisions are being made at this stage. Councils and the OPCC will continue collaboration over the coming months to collate and analyse further evidence for each option.

The Government will provide feedback on the options put forward which will also inform the development of final proposals which need to be submitted to Government by 28 November for a decision by Ministers.

The views of residents, businesses, local government partners, our colleagues, and other stakeholders across the public and private sectors will be essential as proposals develop. We are committed to providing updates throughout the process.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council said, “Local government must be able to support residents and drive local economies effectively and promote growth. We will continue to work closely with local businesses, community groups and residents to ensure any local government reorganisation is right for our town. We want to ensure local voices are heard. It will be our priority to make sure Stevenage thrives and continues to offer a variety of housing and employment opportunities.”