Good morning and Happy New Year!
Welcome back to the first edition of the Hertstown Hertfordshire Update for 2026.
After a short break to recharge over the festive period, we are back in full swing to bring you the stories shaping our county. The year has kicked off with significant momentum, and while many of us are still clearing the snow from the yesterday, the political landscape is shifting even faster than the weather.
The headline act for January is undoubtedly the looming Local Government Reorganization. It remains the hottest topic across every district, from Dacorum to East Herts, as councils scramble to decide by next week whether the May 2026 elections will even go ahead. With conflicting visions of a "Two Unitary" versus "Three Unitary" model now formally on the table, the map of Hertfordshire could look very different by this time next year.
But it’s not just high-level politics. We’re tracking critical local developments, from the approval of a massive 130-acre solar farm in Dacorum to new budget battles in East Herts. Whether you are following the £40m funding gap at the County Council or the new housing plans for Hemel Hospital, we are here to ensure you don’t miss a beat as our region transforms.
Here is what’s making news across Hertfordshire since New Year's Day.
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News at a Glance
Hertfordshire Local Government Shake-Up: What Residents Need to Know
Hertfordshire's two-tier council system could be replaced by new unitary authorities as part of a major local government reorganisation. The government has asked councils to confirm by 15 January whether they wish to cancel local elections scheduled for May 2026.
Councils remain divided on the future shape of the county. St Albans has backed a two unitary model, while Three Rivers and Watford support a three unitary model that could see them merge with Dacorum to form a West Herts authority. Watford Borough Council has confirmed it will not ask the government to cancel its May elections. Welwyn Hatfield is holding a special council meeting on 15 January to debate its response.
Hertfordshire County Council Faces £40m Budget Gap
Hertfordshire County Council has warned of a potential £40 million funding gap as it prepares draft budget proposals for 2026/27. The proposals are expected to be published later this month.
Separately, the council acknowledged on 4 January that more work is needed on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services, despite a recent inspection noting improvements.
Have Your Say on Hertfordshire's New Learning Disability Strategy
Hertfordshire County Council is developing a new Learning Disability Big Plan and is inviting residents to share their views.
The strategy aims to improve education, social care, health, and community services so that people of all ages with learning disabilities receive the support they need.
The council wants to hear from people with learning disabilities, as well as their families and carers, about what is working well, what needs to change, and what matters most.
The survey closes on Friday 6 February 2026. To find out more and take part, visit https://orlo.uk/K6FSK
For any questions about the Big Plan, email [email protected]
Solar Farm Approved Near Bovingdon
Dacorum Borough Council approved plans on 6 January for a new 130-acre solar farm on fields near Bovingdon. The council is also considering a proposal to demolish the Hemel Hospital site to build up to 600 new flats.
Community groups have until 31 January to apply for Round 3 of Dacorum's Community Grants scheme.
East Herts Proposes Council Tax Rise and Leisure Centre Changes
East Hertfordshire District Council has begun its budget-setting process, with proposals to be discussed on 13 January. These include a 2.99% council tax increase, changes to car park tariffs, and moving leisure centres to an agency model with Everyone Active.
North Herts Awards Community Grants and Opens Refurbished Gym
North Hertfordshire District Council awarded £3,750 in community grants on 5 January, including funding for the Kimpton Folk Festival and youth worker salaries at the Knebworth Youth Project.
The first phase of the newly refurbished gym at Royston Leisure Centre has also officially opened.
Stevenage to Trial Flexible Voting for 2026 Elections
Stevenage Borough Council is preparing to take part in the government's Flexible Voting Pilots for 2026. The scheme would include a centralised voting hub at Daneshill House, available before polling day.
A Private Sector Landlord Forum is also scheduled for 21 January to provide updates on renting regulations.
Watford Moves Forward with Town Hall Quarter Transformation
Watford Borough Council's cabinet is pressing ahead with a joint venture with Mace to transform the Town Hall Quarter into a new community destination.
A free community fun day was held at Woodside Leisure Centre on 6 January, and modified Christmas waste collection schedules remain in place until 10 January.
Welwyn Hatfield Launches Carer Parking Permit Scheme
A new Personal Carer Permit scheme came into effect on 5 January in Welwyn Hatfield. The scheme allows Blue Badge holders to nominate a specific carer's vehicle for parking permissions.
Applications for Annual Community Grants of up to £15,000 close on 11 January.
Three Rivers Consults on New Parish Councils
Three Rivers District Council is consulting on the potential creation of new parish councils for Penn, Mill End, Maple Cross, and West Hyde. If approved, changes could take effect in 2027.
Snow Settles Across Hertfordshire
Snow settled across parts of Hertfordshire and the East of England over the weekend of 2 to 3 January, causing minor disruptions.
Event: Hertfordshire's Dragonflies in a Changing Climate
A talk on Hertfordshire's dragonflies and how they are adapting to climate change is scheduled for 9 January. Details available from local wildlife groups.
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
Property of the Week: Orchard Close, Cassiobury, Watford.
Price: £925,000
Type: 4-bed semi-detached house
Size: 1,485 sq. ft
Bedrooms: 4 (3 doubles) Bathrooms: 1 (with walk-in shower) Receptions: 2
This extended family home is tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in the sought-after Cassiobury estate. The ground floor features a spacious front reception with fireplace, a recently fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and breakfast bar opening into the dining area, plus a utility room, guest cloakroom, and garage.
Upstairs offers four bedrooms and a generous family bathroom. Outside, there is off-street parking for several cars and a secluded rear garden with two patios and lawn.
Perfectly placed for Cassiobury Park, Watford town centre, Watford Junction and Metropolitan stations, and highly regarded local schools including Cassiobury Infant and Junior Schools and Watford Grammar Schools.
WEDNESDAY MOTIVATION
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle
It’s a timeless reminder that greatness isn’t achieved in a single moment, it’s built through consistency, discipline, and daily effort.
Happy Mid Week!
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
MONDAY WEATHER 🌦 HERTFORD
WATFORD
5°C 🌡️ 1°C | ☀ Sunny intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 08:07 Sunset 16:09
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Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya
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