Black Friday has passed and Cyber Monday starts now and the estimated numbers flowing through are huge. England is expected to hit £9.52 billion in spending, with £5.13 billion online and £4.39 billion in-store for both days. The money is flowing, mostly on the internet, but our high streets still need the support. If you are shopping, choose local whenever you can.

If you still have Christmas gifts to sort, now is the time to grab a deal. While the lights switch on across Hertfordshire, county leaders submitted their joint proposal for local government reorganisation on Friday. The final decision lands next summer.

Here are today’s key stories across Hertfordshire:

• Hertfordshire Councils Submit Joint Plan to the Government
• SEND Takeover Day to Spotlight Hidden Disabilities
• St Albans Begins Second Consultation on Parish Boundaries
• Volunteer First Responder Passes 1,000 Callouts
• Market Trader Retires After 45 Years
…and more local stories that matter.

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All 11 Hertfordshire councils have submitted a joint proposal to the Government outlining three options for a future unitary structure. Leaders say this is a once in a generation reset, the first in fifty years. A full public consultation is expected in spring 2026, with final decisions in summer 2026.

Read more:

Freddie Botha shares his lived experience of hidden disabilities ahead of SEND Takeover 2025. On 3 December, Hertfordshire will amplify the voices of young people with SEND across its platforms.
Read more: https://orlo.uk/iec4g

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St Albans City and District Council will launch a second consultation on parish and town council arrangements from 8 December 2025 to 23 February 2026. Issues include whether Harpenden Rural Parish Council should be dissolved, a proposed new council in Highfield, and increasing councillor numbers in London Colney.
Read more: https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/news/councillors-back-second-round-consultation-seeking-residents-views-parish-boundaries-and

A new volunteer Tree Warden scheme has begun in Cunningham, training residents to care for public trees. It aligns with National Tree Week and the district’s Your Tree, Our Future programme, which will distribute 12,000 free trees this December.
Read more: https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/news/volunteer-tree-warden-pilot-scheme-launched-protect-and-nurture-trees

Watford Mencap and the Watford Rock Choir will host a Christmas concert on Wednesday 10 December, 7.30pm at St Andrews Church. Tickets: £12 adults, £3 children.
Read more: http://www.watfordactually.com/upcoming-events

The 9th North Watford Scout Group is planning a new Scout hut on Hope Green and is surveying residents about future uses.

Watford’s Alan Cartz has surpassed 1,000 patient responses after eight years of volunteer service with the East of England Ambulance Service.

Grants open on 1 December for community events, green initiatives and equipment purchases.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3K1feoF
All grants: https://bit.ly/48gsDkE

Hitchin Market veteran John Haykin has retired after 45 years. Residents shared warm tributes recognising his long-standing contribution to the market and local community.

Local artists are invited to submit pieces for the Street Stories project celebrating Hemel’s stories and heritage. Deadline: Sunday 7 December.
Read more: https://orlo.uk/euR5U

Dacorum Heritage will post daily Christmas quiz questions at 11am on Facebook and Instagram throughout December.
Quiz sheet: https://dacorumheritage.org.uk/news/the-dacorum-heritage-christmas-quiz-2025/

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Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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