Four Unitary Councils for Hertfordshire

The Government has decided to split Hertfordshire into four Unitary Authorities, replacing the current County Council and Borough Councils. Options for 2,3 or 4 UAs were presented to the Government, the Welwyn Hatfield Lib Dems preferring the option of three. We are very disappointed at what we think is a misguided decision to have four.

Local Government Reorganisation has already consumed significant time, effort and public resources. This decision will require even more investment in creating a new structure of local government that we believe will be less effective in serving residents.

The financial data given to the government indicates that the Central Unitary will be £22m in debt at the outset and only possibly breaking even in ten years.  This places severe strain on the delivery of vital services such as social care and housing.  All the County Council services will have to be split in four, representing a mammoth task and the most expensive and disruptive option. Ultimately, it is local taxpayers who may bear the cost of these challenges.

The County Council are exploring ways to challenge this and will be seeking independent legal advice on the Government's decision, asking them to publish in full the evidence on which the decision was based

There is also a real risk that decisions affecting our communities will increasingly be taken  further removed from our towns and villages where the impact will be felt. The Liberal Democrats believe local people are best served when decisions are made as close to their communities as possible.

Despite this, we will continue to work collaboratively with the other councils in Hertfordshire to ensure our residents get the best possible outcome from their Local Government.