Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

The English Devolution White Paper is the Government’s statement of their plans to devolve power from Westminster to local areas and reform local government. This includes a wide range of proposals on devolution but also wider plans for local government reorganisation.

The Government position is clear that devolution is a key part of their ambition to build an economy that works for everyone. They see the white paper as a route to a completely new way of governing – a generational project.

Visit the LGA Devolution Hub to find further information and FAQs. You can also sign-up to our council e-newsletter.

What is local government reorganisation?

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is the process in which the structure and responsibilities of local authorities are reconfigured. The Government have set out plans to move away from the current two-tier system of district and county councils in England. 

The Government has indicated that for most areas this will mean creating councils with a population of 500,000 or more, but there may be exceptions to ensure new structures make sense for an area, and enable devolution, and decisions will be on a case-by-case basis. 

What councils will this effect?

This is relevant to Hertfordshire County Council and the ten district and borough councils in the county (Broxbourne Borough Council, Dacorum Borough Council, East Herts District Council, Hertsmere Borough Council, North Hertfordshire Council, St Albans City and District Council, Stevenage Borough Council, Three Rivers District Council, Watford Borough Council, and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council).

Timeline

This is an outline of the timeline provided by the Government in the white paper. It includes proposed and confirmed dates. Dates become confirmed as we receive updates.