Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

There’s been a lot in the news and on line recently about Local Government Reorganisation. 

Given that this is such an important topic, in that it could have a direct impact on the villages of Welwyn Parish we have pulled together some information that we hope gives a simple overview of what it’s all about. 

We will continue to update this page as the process goes along so please make sure to check back regularly. 

What is Local Government Reorganisation?

In a Government white paper, plans have been outlined for local government reorganisation of all two-tier areas (areas where services are delivered by two tiers of Principal Authorities i.e. a county council and borough/district councils – which includes Hertfordshire).

Councils are now expected to develop proposals for the introduction of unitary authorities across England, which will see the end to all existing two tier arrangements.  

In two tier areas, Parish & Town Councils are often referred to as the third tier of local government or as a ‘Local/Community Council’.

What is a white paper?

White papers are policy documents, produced by the Government, which outline their proposals for future legislation. 

What is devolution?

Devolution is the transfer of power and funding from central government to local or regional government, enabling them to make decisions or manage resources on issues that affect their areas at a more local level. The white paper outlines plans to extend and expand devolution in England, setting out an enhanced “devolution framework”, which is to be available by default rather than by individual deals (as is currently the case). The default part is important as this sets out that this is going to happen and it is not a choice locally. 

The Government also proposes to introduce in law the concept of a “strategic authority”, and give more powers over transport, skills, employment, housing, strategic planning, public safety and environment. 

What is a unitary authority?

This refers to an area with on tier of local government providing all of the local services, as opposed to an area with two tiers of local government (county council and district/borough councils). The London Boroughs are examples of unitary authorities.

When will the reorganisation happen?

It is expected that the new Unitary Authorities will be in place by April 2028. The Government set a deadline of the 21 March 2025 for the submission of interim Local Government Reorganisation proposals.  

The deadline for final Local Government Reorganisation submissions is the 28 November 2025. 

Who will be submitting proposals?

The County Council and District/Borough Councils in Hertfordshire (the two tier authorities) are working to explore options for what reorganisation could look like. The white paper has set out expectation that all councils in an area will work together to develop unitary proposals that are in the best interests of the whole area, rather than developing competing proposals. 

The interim submission developed by two-tier authorities in Hertfordshire can be found here:

Hertfordshire LGR Interim Submission

What has the Government said about the role of Town & Parish Councils in the reorganisation?

Government Ministers have repeatedly set out that there is a key role for Town & Parish Councils as part of Local Government Reorganisation. Some key quotes include: 

‘We know people value the role of governance at the community scale and that can be a concern when local government is reorganised. We will therefore want to see stronger community arrangements when reorganisation happens in the way councils engage at a neighbourhood or area level. We will also rewire the relationship between town and parish councils and principal Local Authorities, strengthening expectations on engagement and community voice’. 

‘Government is committed to building socially and economically stronger communities and understand that town and parish councils have a major role in this; improving the quality of life and wellbeing of their communities and creating places where people are proud to live. They are close to the communities they serve, know their communities’ needs, and can champion the priorities of local people and design the right services that work for their places’. 

‘The English Devolution White Paper sets out that the government understands the value people place on the role of governance at the community scale and recognises this can be a concern when local government is reorganised. We will therefore want to see stronger community arrangements when reorganisation happens in the way councils engage at a neighbourhood or area level. We will also work with the town and parish council sector to improve engagement between them and local authorities’. 

How will this impact Welwyn Parish Council?

The Parish Council is watching how this develops closely and as yet does not have an agreed position on Local Government Reorganisation. However, the Parish Council is keen to see local assets and services managed locally and therefore believe that this reorganisation provides an opportunity for these assets to be transferred to us to manage. This includes assets that historically were owned by previous councils such as the Welwyn Rural District Council. 

What was the Welwyn Rural District Council? 

Up until 1974, Welwyn Rural District Council was the council covering this area. It was abolished in 1974 as part of Local Government Reorganisation. A number of Welwyn, Oaklands and Digswell’s assets were passed to Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council which was formed at the time. Welwyn Parish Council is working to bring some of these assets back in to Parish ownership.

What additional responsibilities could Welwyn Parish Council take on?

These assets and services seem to be those that could be described as locally differentiated and so would benefit from hyper-local ownership and governance. There is not an exhaustive list as to what could sit under this definition however it could include such things as: 

• Green Spaces; Singlers Marsh, Danesbury Nature Reserve, the Fernery, Mardley Heath, Digswell Playing Fields, Digswell Orchard, School Lane Orchard
• Allotments; Hawbush Rise site
• Community centres/buildings; Welwyn Civic Centre, Welwyn Parish Council Offices
• Car parking; High Street, Lockleys Drive, Titmus Yard, Broomfield Road car parks
• Local museums; Welwyn Roman Baths
• Neighbourhood planning
• Play areas; Digswell play area
• Neighbourhood community safety
• Public footpaths/bridleways
• Libraries; Welwyn Library
• Localised elements of Highways, Planning and Licencing 

In May 2025 the Parish Council wrote to the Leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council to express an interest in starting the process of asset transfer but has yet to receive a reply. A copy of the letter can be found here.

How could this be positive for Welwyn?

Parish and town councils are the closest tier of government to local people. They are agile, responsive, and deeply embedded in their communities. Unlike district, unitary and county authorities, which can be remote and unfamiliar with the nuances of smaller localities, parish and town councils operate at a scale that allows them to deliver services and advocate for their areas with unmatched local knowledge. 

Parish and town councils are the only tier of authority where residents contribute funding directly to services within their own communities and can see for themselves how that funding is being spent. By contrast, principle authorities pool resources across much larger areas. While this can provide scale for strategic services, it often results in policy decisions that fail to reflect the priorities of smaller, distinct communities.  

What happens next?

Hertfordshire County Council and all the district and borough councils within Hertfordshire have launched a dedicated website for residents to find out more and have their own say on the future of Local Government. 

Local Government Reorganisation | Shaping Hertfordshires Future