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All Hertfordshire Councils to Launch Local Government Reform Consultation

Councils to launch the first phase of stakeholder engagement on the future of local government in the county

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Good morning and HapPy Monday!

Happy Monday! 🎉 How is July treating you so far? I wanted to apologise for missing last Friday’s Events edition—some unexpected technical issues prevented us from publishing, but we’re back up and running now. If you’re passionate about local news and interested in volunteering, we’d love to hear from you. We managed to share weekend events on our socials, so if you haven’t yet, please click the icons below and follow us to stay updated!

As we step into the second half of the year, I hope things are going your way—and if not, there’s still plenty of time to make positive changes. Keep investing in yourself and striving to be your best each day.

There’s a lot happening in Hertfordshire right now. The conversation on Local Government Reform is heating up, with public consultation launching soon—be sure to take part. There’s also a by-election coming up in Hertsmere Borough Council, so keep an eye out for important dates if it affects your area.

Here’s what’s making headlines in Hertstown today:

🗳️ All Hertfordshire Councils to Launch Local Government Reform Consultation
👵 Adult Care Services Reform
📚 Summer Reading Challenge Launches
💷 Local Grants Awarded
🛠️ Steps2Skills Workshops for July

…and much more!

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Host Your Next Corporate Event at Halsey Hall, Cheshunt

Step into the distinguished atmosphere of Halsey Hall—one of Cheshunt’s iconic listed buildings—where historic elegance meets modern business needs. Our versatile rooms, ranging in size, are perfect for executive meetings, team strategy sessions, and exclusive corporate events. Impress your guests with a regal setting that preserves its Masonic legacy and classic architectural charm, all while enjoying today’s conveniences.

Located just minutes from the M25 and A10, with excellent rail connections to London and Stansted via Cheshunt Station, Halsey Hall offers exceptional accessibility for your attendees. Plus, our free onsite parking for over 50 cars means your team and clients arrive stress-free.

Make your next meeting memorable—choose Halsey Hall for a unique blend of heritage, style, and convenience.

Updates From County Council

All Hertfordshire Councils to Launch Local Government Reform Consultation

Hertfordshire's 11 councils to launch the first phase of stakeholder engagement on the future of local government in the county. The collaborative approach involves engaging with key strategic partners including the NHS, police, education leaders, major employers, town and parish councils, and voluntary sector groups at both county-wide and local levels.

The engagement process is underpinned by four core principles: transparency, consistency, inclusion, and accessibility, with the aim of exploring how future local government arrangements could better support shared priorities and improve services for residents. Council Leader of Welwyn Hatfield Max Holloway emphasized that the reorganisation provides an opportunity to build a more responsive and resilient system of local government that reflects local identity while unlocking long-term benefits. A wider public engagement process will begin in the summer, with final proposals due to the government by November 28, 2025.

Adult Care Services Reform

Hertfordshire County Council Leader Cllr Steve Jarvis is lobbying the Government to accelerate reforms to adult social care. This comes amid wider national discussions about adult social care charging reforms and funding distribution.

Summer Reading Challenge Launches

Hertfordshire Libraries are participating in the "Story Garden" Summer Reading Challenge, launching July 5, 2025. The nationwide campaign encourages primary-aged children to read for pleasure during the summer break, with over 700,000 children participating annually across the country.

Local Grants Awarded

Hertfordshire councillors have provided grants totaling £11,717 to support local good causes across the county. The funding will benefit various community organizations and charitable initiatives.

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COMMUNITY UPDATE

WATFORD

Watford Expands Anti-Fly Tipping Campaign to Central Ward

Watford Borough Council, in partnership with Veolia, is expanding its innovative anti-fly tipping campaign to the Central Ward, an area with one of the highest incidences of fly tipping in Watford. The campaign, which was previously successful in the Callowland Ward, uses creative crime scene installations with tape and warning posters to highlight the illegality of fly tipping and create a visible impact for residents and visitors.

The initiative includes sending letters to every household in the Central Ward featuring handwritten messages from local schoolchildren to raise awareness and reduce fly tipping. Since the campaign began, nine Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued for fly tipping, eight of which were for everyday household items like furniture and appliances. One local business offender was issued a £600 fine after evidence recovered from fly tipping sites led to identification of the perpetrator.

ST. ALBANS

St Albans Considers Future of Historic Mayoralty and New Parish Council

St Albans City and District Council is proposing a community governance review to explore the future of the historic St Albans Mayoralty and the potential creation of a new parish council. The Mayoralty, which dates back to 1553, faces uncertainty as the Council will be abolished under Government plans and merged with neighbouring councils to form a new unitary authority by May 2028.

The review would examine ways to preserve the Mayoralty and consider establishing a new parish council covering approximately 28,000 households in the unparished areas of St Albans, including Batchwood, Bernards Heath, Clarence, Cunningham, Hill End, Marshalswick West, Sopwell, St Peters and Verulam wards. The City Neighbourhoods Committee has agreed to help fund the governance review, estimated to cost between £60,000 and £80,000, with the aim of ensuring the City's community assets and civic traditions are maintained after local government reorganisation.

EAST HERTS

East Hertfordshire Launches Arts Showcase Event with £1,000 Grants

East Hertfordshire District Council has opened applications for its Arts in East Herts showcase event, running throughout September and October 2025. Organizations can apply for grants up to £1,000 to assist with running costs of workshops and sessions, including room hire and materials. The event is funded by the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the levelling up agenda.

Last year's inaugural event featured over 40 arts organizations participating with activities ranging from bell ringing at St Michael's Church to stained glass workshops, circus skills sessions, and open performances. The initiative aims to boost participation in arts and cultural activities by providing interactive experiences that encourage new people to get involved, with priority given to projects that offer free activities, involve young people, and provide ongoing engagement opportunities beyond the showcase event.

HERTSMERE

By-Election Called for Borehamwood Brookmeadow Ward

Hertsmere Borough Council has announced a by-election for Thursday, July 24, 2025, following the death of Councillor Rabbi Alan Plancey.

Residents must register to vote by midnight on July 8 and bring valid photo ID to polling stations. Those without acceptable ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate by July 16.

Postal vote applications close July 9, while proxy vote applications must be submitted by July 16.

Hertsmere Council Rolls Out Cashless Parking Meters, Sparks Community Debate

Hertsmere Borough Council is set to introduce upgraded parking meters across the borough, offering drivers more flexible payment options than ever before. For the first time, residents and visitors will be able to pay for parking using debit and credit cards or contactless payments, ending the days of scrambling for spare change.

The council has hailed the move as an innovation designed to make life easier for everyone—especially those who never carry cash. Officials hope the new system will put an end to the common excuse of not having coins for the meter.

However, the announcement has sparked lively debate on social media, with some residents expressing frustration that cash payments will no longer be accepted. Many commenters argued that the changes could inconvenience those who still prefer to use cash, viewing the move as unfair.

Ultimately, the council appears keen to ensure that more motorists pay for their parking, and this new system is expected to boost revenue at a time when the costs of car ownership are already on the rise. Some are now questioning whether electric vehicle owners should be exempt from parking charges altogether.

Jokes aside, this upgrade is a significant step forward for car parking in the community, offering greater convenience and flexibility for most drivers. Only time will tell if it proves popular with residents, but for now, Hertsmere motorists have a modern new way to park and pay.

BROXBOURNE

Broxbourne Seeks Public Views on New Residential Design Guidelines

Broxbourne Borough Council has launched a public consultation on its draft Residential Design and Amenity Planning Guidance, giving residents and developers the opportunity to help shape future planning decisions. The comprehensive guidance document covers everything from new home developments to household alterations, providing clear, illustrated advice on design principles that ensure new developments complement surrounding buildings while protecting neighbors' privacy and outlook.

The draft guidance includes specific advice on internal space standards, private amenity space requirements, and alterations to existing homes such as garage conversions, outbuildings, and driveways. The council is encouraging householders and interested parties to share their views through the consultation, which runs until Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Comments can be submitted online at www.haveyoursay.broxbourne.gov.uk, with all feedback being carefully reviewed before the final guidance is adopted.

July 2025 Step2Skills Workshops

Upcoming Adult Learning & Employment Workshops in Hertfordshire

Boost Your Confidence Taster
What: Confidence-building workshop to develop self-assurance and personal skills
📅 Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:45am
📍 Location: Online (live streamed)
💷 Cost: £5
🔗 Booking: Until Monday, July 7 at 12am

AI in the Workplace
What: Learn how AI is transforming the modern workplace and adapt your skills
📅 Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00am
📍 Location: Online (live streamed)
💷 Cost: Free
🔗 Booking: Until Tuesday, July 8 at 12am
❌ Status: Currently Sold Out

English for Speakers of Other Languages – Initial Assessments
What: Free English language assessment sessions
📅 Dates & Locations:

  • Friday, July 11, 2025 ⏰ 9:30am 📍 Welwyn Garden City Central Library (Sold Out)

  • Tuesday, July 15, 2025 ⏰ 9:30am 📍 Hemel Hempstead Library, Meeting Room

  • Tuesday, July 15, 2025 ⏰ 10:00am 📍 St Albans Library

  • Thursday, July 17, 2025 ⏰ 10:00am 📍 Stevenage Central Library
    💷 Cost: Free

How to Write a Business Plan
What: Learn the essential components of creating an effective business plan
📅 Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:45am
📍 Location: Online (live streamed)
💷 Cost: £5
🔗 Booking: Until Tuesday, July 15 at 12am

Story Crafts
What: Creative workshop focusing on storytelling and craft activities
📅 Dates & Locations:

  • Tuesday, July 22, 2025 ⏰ 10:00am 📍 St Albans Library

  • Thursday, July 24, 2025 ⏰ 10:00am 📍 Bedwell Community Centre, Stevenage
    💷 Cost: £5

Brilliant Boxes
What: Creative workshop involving box-making and design skills
📅 Dates & Locations:

  • Tuesday, July 22, 2025 ⏰ 1:00pm 📍 St Albans Library

  • Thursday, July 24, 2025 ⏰ 1:00pm 📍 Bedwell Community Centre, Stevenage
    💷 Cost: £5

Step2Skills empowers adults to upskill, improve employability, and build confidence in a friendly learning environment.

PET OF THE WEEK

Pet Owner: Jessy

Pet name: Origami

Age:6

Favourite: Surprised to see himself in a jean shirt and the eye said it all, stunned, he was. Favourite meal is sausage and loves dressing up days which is Tuesdays.

MONDAY MOTIVATION

Monday is your fresh start button. Press it with confidence and watch this week become your masterpiece.

Let’s make this week count—together! 💪✨

Happy Monday!

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

U-11 Chars Blues, of Chars Youth FC Cheshunt: Winners of Play For The Memory Cup.

MONDAY WEATHER ⛅️ 

WELWYN GARDEN CITY

21°C 🌡️ 10°C | 🌤️ Sunny interval rain showers and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:51 Sunset 21:20

STEVENAGE

19°C 🌡️ 9°C | 🌤️ Sunny interval and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:50 Sunset 21:21

HERTFORD

21°C 🌡️ 11°C | ☁️ Light cloud and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:50 Sunset 21:20

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

21°C 🌡️ 10°C | ☁️ Light cloud and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:50 Sunset 21:21

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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