Conservative county councillor Richard Roberts has branded the decision to “pause” the planned reorganisation of local government in Hertfordshire “another screeching u-turn from a chaotic and incoherent Government”.
Other county council leaders welcomed the chance to review the local government reorganisation plans.
Under the plans, Hertfordshire’s two-tier council system would have been abolished in 2028.
Services provided by the county council and 10 district and borough councils would then transfer to four new unitary authorities.
Some county councillors opposed the plans to split Hertfordshire into four authorities instead of the proposed two or three.
On Monday, September 7, Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner announced that the plans for Hertfordshire – and 13 other areas- were to be reviewed.
Opposition leader Cllr Richard Roberts (Conservative, Kings Langley) called the process “chaotic and rushed” and “ill thought through from the beginning”.
He said: “This whole process has been so rushed and so badly thought through that reorganisation for 20 million people across the country is having to be rethought.
“So much money has been wasted, millions, when the focus should always have been on delivering for residents today and a better tomorrow.”
County council leader Cllr Steve Jarvis (Liberal Democrat, Royston West and Rural) said he was “pleased” the Government was reviewing the decision.
In a further statement, he said: “The Government’s decision to create four new unitary authorities in Hertfordshire is not in the best interests of our county, and I am pleased that the Government has decided to review it.
“It is the most expensive, disruptive and complex option, with serious concerns about one of the new councils having a budget deficit from day one.
“The Government must complete this review as soon as possible so we have clarity on local government reorganisation and devolution in Hertfordshire.
“In the meantime, we will continue to work closely with district and borough councils to ensure residents receive high-quality services now and in the future.”
Labour group leader Cllr Nigel Bell backed four unitary authorities rather than two or three.
He said the review would make the reorganisation process “as robust as possible”.
“This Labour Government is determined to put power in every postcode, and the Prime Minister is clear that effective and sustainable local government plays a huge part in achieving that,” said Cllr Bell (Labour, West Watford).
“I welcome the Government’s determination to increase devolution. Hertfordshire will benefit from the increased powers over planning, transport and other areas that we have long awaited.
“Make no mistake, Labour remains committed to giving more power to local people in towns and villages here in Hertfordshire – this review just ensures that the process of local government reorganisation is as robust as possible.”
Reform group leader Cllr Doug Bainbridge (Reform, Old Stevenage) also welcomed the review.
Cllr Bainbridge criticised the lack of consultation before the Government backed four unitary authorities.
He said the review would ensure the plans were “looked at properly” and offered “the best way forward for the people of Hertfordshire”.
He would rather improve efficiency within the current two-tier system by reducing the number of councillors and securing better value for taxpayers.
Responding to the Government’s announcement, he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Reform, in principle, was not objecting to LGR, they were objecting to the undemocratic process that took place.
“Reform UK would potentially support LGR if it could be proved that there would be higher quality services and savings to be made at local government level.”
He added: “We would like to thank all the staff at Hertfordshire County Council for all the patience during this process – and regret any stress that has been caused with regard to the whole process.
“We can all relax for some time now, take stock of the next phase, and hopefully have more clarity moving forward.”
The Government paused the plans after receiving updated legal advice and said the review would test whether the process was robust and lawful.
At least eight councils had launched, or were considering, legal challenges over the Government's proposed boundaries.
Local elections in May 2027 are expected to go ahead on the existing council boundaries while the review takes place.
Hertfordshire County Council had formally asked the Government to disclose the evidence behind its decision, saying its consultation analysis found the two-unitary model most popular overall.
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