Watford is to join a new unitary authority with Three Rivers and Hertsmere as the government confirmed plans for local government reorganisation (LGR) in Hertfordshire.
This afternoon's (July 16) announcement comes after months of uncertainty about what local government will look like in the town once Watford Borough Council is scrapped.
From April 2028, the borough council will cease to exist, as will Hertsmere Borough Council and Three Rivers District Council. The three will merge to create a combined authority for South West Hertfordshire.
Watford's mayor Peter Taylor - whose position is set to be abolished as part of the reforms - said: "Delivering the best possible services for our residents and businesses must be at the heart of restructuring local government.
"The government decision to create four unitary authorities presents its challenges but does ensure local government remains rooted in local communities.
"As always in Watford, we will roll up our sleeves and do our best for the people we serve. My priority is to ensure that we fulfil our shared commitment to the county’s 1.2 million residents, with future services that are simple to access, work for the people using them and financially sustainable. Working with other Hertfordshire councils, our residents and partners, we must remain focused on delivering the best possible local services."
Subject to parliamentary approval, voters will now go to the polls next May to elect the first councillors for the new authority.
Outlining the reasons behind its decision, the government said that the four unitary council model reflects Hertfordshire’s distinct economic areas, the connection to local communities, a tailored approach to services and provides a strong foundation for devolution in Hertfordshire.
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Elsewhere, Dacorum Borough Council will join with St Albans City and District Council to create an authority for North West Hertfordshire.
The unitary authority for Eastern Hertfordshire will be comprised of Broxbourne Borough Council and East Herts District Council, as well as part of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and North Herts District Council.
The remaining areas of North Herts and Welwyn Hatfield will join Stevenage Borough Council to create the Central Hertfordshire authority.
A directly elected mayoralty for the entire county will also be created as part of the reforms.
When consulted last year, Watford Borough Council and Three Rivers District Council both indicated support for a three-way split,
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