Issue - meetings

The Leader of the Council presented an update on Local Government Reform. He said that East Herts had come up with interim proposals about how local government would look in Hertfordshire alongside the other nine councils. The proposals were submitted to the government on 21 March 2025 and Hertfordshire were still waiting to hear feedback on the proposals.

The Leader of the Council said the next deadline to submit final proposals for Hertfordshire was 28 November 2025. He said that there was a significant challenge and responsibility to find a way through political differences to result in proposals that helped served residents in the best and most effective way. The report was for Members to discuss their thoughts and for Council to endorse the continuing negotiations with other authorities in Hertfordshire.

Councillor Crystall proposed that the recommendations in the report be supported. Councillor Goldspink seconded the proposal.

Councillor E Buckmaster said he agreed with Councillor Crystall about ending up with a proposal that served residents best.

Councillor Deering said that the Conservative group would work with the administration to arrive at the best possible outcome for residents.

Councillor Thomas said the report referred to discussions with other authorities and the Police and Crime Commissioner. He asked if East Herts had held specific discussions with the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Councillor Crystall confirmed there had been no discussions.

Councillor Butcher said that the government’s proposals for local government reform had ignored Town and Parish Councils. He thanked Councillor Crystall for having dialogue with Ware Town Council about future governance and the five towns across East Herts had distinct identities.

Councillor Dumont said he had spoken to his parish councils on an informal basis about local governmental reform and had fed their responses back to the Leader and so other councillors may wish to do the same.
 

The motion to support the recommendations having been proposed and seconded was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – That (A) the information contained within this report be noted; and

(B)   the Leader and Interim Chief Executive’s continued negotiation and debate with the other 10 Hertfordshire Councils be endorsed to develop a proposal for the future of Hertfordshire local government taking into consideration the options that best continue to deliver services for our residents in East Hertfordshire

(C)   the final proposal be presented to this Council in Autumn 2025 for endorsement by members following public consultation.