Local Government Reorganisation

Government Consultation On Hertfordshire Councils' Proposals

The Government's 7-week public consultation on the Hertfordshire Local Government Reorganisation has opened (closing on 26 March).  For details of how to take part, see the Hertfordshire councils' joint press release below: 

Press release:  Central Government invites Hertfordshire residents to have their say on Local Government Reorganisation 

To find out about Hertfordshire Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and the proposals so far, see the LGR website. 

St Albans City and District Council's Strategy and Resources Committee supported the two unitary model at its meeting on Thursday 20 November. 

All 11 District and County Councils in Hertfordshire submitted their final proposals to the Government on Friday 28 November. These included three and four unitary models as well as the two unitary model. You can view the submission documents at the LGR website below.

The final decision will be made by the Government at some point in 2026. 

Find out more - visit the Herts LGR website

Press release:  Central Government invites Hertfordshire residents to have their say on Local Government Reorganisation (5 February 2026)

Press Release:  Hertfordshire councils submit proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (28 November 2025)

Press Release:  Hertfordshire councils decide on future council arrangements (21 November 2025)

The Future of Local Government

The English Devolution White Paper sets out a range of proposals relating to devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

Under the current system of local government there are various different structures, including Strategic Authorities (mostly mayoral combined authorities), county councils, city councils, borough councils, district councils, and town and parish councils.

The recent Devolution White Paper seeks to achieve two things: devolving more powers to local areas (devolution) and simplifying the local government structure (Local Government Reorganisation).

Timeline

*Shadow authorities are the new unitary council/s prior to them formally taking on all responsibilities.

Useful links

English Devolution White Paper

The English Devolution White Paper sets out the Government’s agenda to increase and expand devolution across all parts of England.

Local Government Association (LGA) Devolution Hub

Visit the LGA Devolution Hub to find further information and resources. This includes a list of regularly updated devolution and local government reorganisation FAQs. You can find updates on the current devolution framework and devolution deals agreed between Government and local areas.

Letter from Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution

The letter to all two-tier councils and neighbouring unitary authorities dated 16 December 2024 sets out the Government’s process and milestones.

The letter to a number of council leaders (St Albans Leader included) dated 5 February 2026 sets out information about arrangements for the public consultation (5 February 2026 to 26 March 2026).

Interim submission to government

The  Interim Submission to Government of Hertfordshire's Local Government Reorganisation Proposal  (20 March 2025).

Press release:  Hertfordshire’s councils and OPCC submit joint response to Government on local government reform (20 March 2025).

Interim feedback from government - Letter to Hertfordshire Authorities from Jim McMahon OBE, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution (letter dated 15 May 2025).

Pre-submission to government

Press release:  Decision process underway for Hertfordshire’s Local Government Reorganisation (6 November 2025)

Submission to Government

Press Release: Hertfordshire Councils submit proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (28 November 2025)

Letter to MHCLG following LGR Hertfordshire Proposal Submission, from Cllr Paul de Kort, Leader of St Albans City and District Council (28 November 2025)

Shape of the new unitary council Submission to Government

Press release:  Council Leaders rule out single unitary authority proposal for Hertfordshire (12 June 2025) 

Funding

MHCLG letter regarding 2025/26 funding (13 June 2025)

Stakeholder engagement

Press release:  Councils launch stakeholder engagement on the future of Local Government in Hertfordshire (7 July 2025)

Press release:  Help shape Hertfordshire’s future – have your say on changes to local government (3 September 2025)

Press release:  Central Government invites Hertfordshire residents to have their say on Local Government Reorganisation (5 February 2026)

Local Government Association (LGA) Devolution Hub

Visit the LGA Devolution Hub to find further information and resources. This includes a list of regularly updated devolution and local government reorganisation FAQs. You can find updates on the current devolution framework and devolution deals agreed between Government and local areas.

Ministerial statements

Local Government Reorganisation - statement made on 3 June 2025 by Jim McMahon, Minister of State.

Frequently asked questions

MHCLG has published a range of questions and answers about the changes.

Community Governance Review

Under the central Government plans set out on this page, St Albans City and District Council (along with all District Councils in Hertfordshire and the County Council) will be abolished in 2028 and replaced by unitary local government structures.

Before this happens, the Council is considering whether any changes should be made to parish and town council arrangements and has launched a Community Governance Review to gather views.  Further information can be found on the Community Governance Review 2025/26 webpage.   

Press release: Residents asked to give their views on Parish and Town Council arrangements in St Albans District.

Community Information Event, 18 September 2025

The Council hosted a Hertfordshire Local Government Reorganisation Information Evening for residents on Thursday 18 September 2025.  Watch the webcast and see the slide pack at the links below.

Webcast of the Council's LGR Community Information Event on 18 September 2025 

Local Government Reorganisation St Albans Event 18 Sept 2025 slide pack.pdf

Stay in touch

If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive updates on this matter please complete this short form.