An update following recent announcements from the Government about proposed changes to local government in Hertfordshire, including Watford, and what these could mean for our town centre businesses.
There are two separate changes being considered: Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution. Whilst neither will have an immediate impact on your business, both could influence how local services are delivered, investment is secured and decisions affecting Watford are made in the future.
Local Government Reorganisation – What’s changing?
Currently, Watford has two councils: Watford Borough Council, which manages services such as waste collection and planning, and Hertfordshire County Council, which is responsible for areas including highways, education and social care.
The Government intends to replace this two-tier system with larger unitary councils, bringing these responsibilities together under one authority. However, no final decision has been made about how Hertfordshire will be divided or which areas will form the new councils. The Government is reconsidering the proposals submitted by Hertfordshire councils, with decisions expected between the end of 2026 and early 2027.
The current timetable indicates that elections for the new councils would take place in May 2028, with the new authorities taking over on 1 April 2029.
Devolution – What does this mean?
Separately, the Government has announced that it is in the final stages of agreeing plans for a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Hertfordshire. In simple terms, this could mean Hertfordshire having an elected Mayor with greater powers and access to funding to make decisions locally, rather than relying on central Government.
For businesses, this could create opportunities for investment in economic growth, transport and infrastructure, skills and employment, and the wider development of our town centres.
The details are still being worked through, including what powers the Mayor would have and when these arrangements might be introduced.
What does this mean for your business?
For now, it’s business as usual. There are no immediate changes to council services or how your business operates. However, the longer-term implications could be significant, particularly around town centre investment, business support, planning, transport and the management of our public spaces.
As your BID, we have an important role in ensuring that the needs and priorities of our levy-paying businesses are understood and represented as these changes develop. We will continue working closely with Watford Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council and our wider partners, ensuring that the town centre business community has a voice in discussions about Watford’s future.
Regardless of how local government is reorganised, our commitment to supporting our levy payers, enhancing the town centre experience, promoting Watford town centre and more remains unchanged.
What happens next?
Further announcements are expected over the coming months, and I will ensure that we keep you updated on any developments that could affect our town centre businesses.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns about what these changes could mean for your business, please do get in touch at enquiries@watfordtowncentre.com. You can also contact Watford Borough Council directly at LGR@watford.gov.