Issue - meetings

To consider any Part I business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION – INTERIM PLAN SUBMISSION

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Henry advised that he would be accepting an urgent item of business relating to the Interim Plan Submission on the Government’s plans for Local Government Reorganisation.  The Leader advised that as Chair of the meeting he was of the opinion that the report was urgent as there was a requirement for local authorities to submit an interim plan to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government by 21 March 2025.

The Leader advised that the report included a number of proposals from 1 through to 4 unitary councils which had been worked through with all districts and boroughs in Hertfordshire,  although this would not prevent further options being developed or explored ahead of the final November deadline.

Cabinet noted that to support the process, a Cabinet Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution and Officer Working Groups had been established which was currently meeting on a weekly basis.

Members thanked the officers involved for the amount of work undertaken in preparing the submission and looking ahead, what would be required to meet the November deadline.  It was agreed that the Council would be working towards what was best for the residents and businesses of the Town.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the Government’s devolution and local government reorganisation requirements and the progress being made to develop options for Hertfordshire be noted.

2.    That delegated authority be given to the Leader of the Council to submit an interim plan for Local Government Reorganisation in Hertfordshire, to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government by 21 March 2025.

Reason for Decision: As contained in the report.

Other Options considered:As contained in the report.