The Government has announced a review of its Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programme, with the timetable for reorganisation in Hertfordshire now paused while that review takes place.
In July, the Government announced plans to replace Hertfordshire County Council and the county’s existing district and borough councils with four new unitary authorities. Under those proposals, Kings Langley would form part of a new West Hertfordshire authority bringing together the areas currently served by Dacorum Borough Council and St Albans City and District Council.
The Government has now confirmed that the Hertfordshire decision, along with most of the wider LGR programme in England, will be reviewed. The planned elections to the new shadow authorities in May 2027 will therefore not take place, with local elections instead expected to proceed under the existing arrangements.
The review follows updated legal advice and will consider both the process followed to date and whether the proposals remain aligned with the Government’s wider priorities for local government and devolution.
The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has called for clarity and certainty for parish and town councils, highlighting the considerable work already undertaken by the sector in responding to the reorganisation programme. NALC has also reiterated the importance of parish and town councils having a meaningful role in any future changes to local government.
There is no immediate change to the services residents receive, and Kings Langley Parish Council will continue to operate as normal. The Parish Council will monitor developments and provide further updates when the Government sets out the outcome of its review and any revised timetable.
Further information
Further information is available from the National Association of Local Councils:
NALC – calls for certainty as government reviews reorganisation programme