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Hertfordshire Faces £50 Million Funding Gap Under Government’s Fair Funding Review

Hertfordshire Faces £50 Million Funding Gap Under Government’s Fair Funding Review

Council Leader Steve Jarvis sounds the alarm on funding shortfall,

Emeka Ogbonnaya
July 21, 2025

Good morning and HapPy Monday!

🌦️ Happy Monday, Hertfordshire!
We finally saw some much-needed rain—even if it meant a few weekend events were called off. With more thundery showers on the way, let’s make the most of it and enjoy the break from the heat.

This week, there’s growing concern at County Hall as the council warns of a major funding gap and brings in MPs to help. Across the districts and boroughs, plenty is happening—and we’ve rounded up the stories you need to know. Here’s your quick look at what’s making headlines in Hertfordshire:

🏛️ Hertfordshire Faces £50 Million Funding Gap
🛣️ Castle Plus Neighbourhood Plan Seeks Community Voices
🛹 Stevenage Council Launches New Apprenticeship
🌳 Paralympic Stars to Inspire at Letchworth Lido’s 90th Birthday

…and plenty more stories that matter to you!

📅 Historical Highlight:
On this day in 2005, London’s underground was thrown into chaos after attempted bomb attacks—just two weeks after the tragic 7/7 bombings. Fortunately, all devices failed to detonate and the suspects were later caught and convicted.

A big welcome to our new subscribers—thank you for joining the Hertstown community! If you have news, ideas, or feedback, we’re always here to listen. Let’s make Hertstown your favourite hub for all things local.

Here’s to a great week ahead!

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News at a Glance

Hertfordshire Faces £50 Million Funding Gap Under Government’s Fair Funding Review

Hertfordshire County Council could be left over £50 million short following the government’s latest funding review, raising serious concerns about cuts to vital services this year.

Council Leader Steve Jarvis has warned that a projected £45-55 million reduction in government grants will significantly impact services, particularly in Adults and Children’s social care and support for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Jarvis has urged Hertfordshire MPs to intervene, stressing that the proposed funding falls short of the county’s growing needs and risks undermining essential improvement work. Without urgent action, the council may be forced to make changes that will affect all residents.

The council is pushing back against the proposals, aiming to protect services and residents from the worst of the cuts.

COMMUNITY UPDATE

HERTFORD

Castle Plus Neighbourhood Plan Seeks Community Voices

Hertford Town Council is supporting the Castle Plus Neighbourhood Plan to guide future development in the town’s south. A resident-led steering group is urging locals to get involved and share their views. Recent engagement included the Hertford Castle Beer and World Food Festival, with more sessions planned this summer.

To get involved or learn more contact Annalisa Yeowell at [email protected].

Rock at the Castle Returns for 20th Anniversary Celebration

Hertford’s free music festival, Rock at the Castle, celebrates 20 years on Sunday 3rd August with performances across three stages, including new rap and dance acts. The event supports charity Hearts for Herts and features an inclusive area for those with special needs. Local acts, sponsors McMullen’s Brewery and Duffield Harrison, help make it all possible.

STEVENAGE

Stevenage Council Launches New Apprenticeship Programme

Stevenage Borough Council has launched "Stevenage Even Better Futures," offering seven apprenticeship roles in areas like tree care, sports and health, building surveying, compliance, business administration, and finance. Open to all ages and backgrounds, the programme aims to help residents develop new careers. Applications are now open on the council website.

Stevenage Receives £17,861 Grant to Tackle Chewing Gum Problem

Stevenage Borough Council has secured nearly £18,000 from the Chewing Gum Task Force to clean gum-stained streets and prevent future littering. The grant, part of a national scheme funded by major gum producers, follows last year’s successful cleaning in the town centre. Street cleaning and awareness campaigns will begin in two town centre areas this August, aiming to reduce gum litter and encourage responsible disposal.

EAST HERTS

Last Chance for Public Input on Water Lane Hall as Final Meeting Set for 26 July

East Herts District Council is inviting residents to a final public information meeting on the future of Water Lane Hall in Bishop’s Stortford, following an earlier session held over the weekend.

The last meeting will take place on Saturday, 26 July at 11am, giving the community a chance to hear about the significant structural issues identified in a recent survey and to share their views on potential uses for the building.

Residents can find more details and review the full structural report on the council’s website: eastherts.gov.uk.

NORTH HERTS

Paralympic Stars Set to Inspire at Letchworth Lido’s 90th Birthday

Letchworth Lido marks its 90th anniversary on Saturday 26 July with swimming demos and taster sessions led by Paralympic medallist Olivia Newman-Baronius and silver medallist Harry Arnold-Pepper. The event, from 11am to 1pm, also features music, face painting, and balloon modelling.

“Living Lawnmowers” Back on North Herts Nature Reserves

English Longhorn cattle and sheep have returned to North Hertfordshire’s nature reserves this summer, grazing key sites like Purwell Meadows, Weston Hills, Ivel Springs, Gibbet Hill, and Oughtonhead Common. This sustainable approach keeps grassland healthy and protects rare species, especially in areas machinery can’t reach.

The grazing programme depends on dedicated volunteers, including some with a decade of service. Cattle are chosen for their calm temperament, but visitors are reminded to keep dogs on leads and avoid approaching the livestock.

“Grazing is a great way to manage grassland and protect rare species,” said Councillor Amy Allen, Executive Member for Environment.

North Herts Rolls Out New Waste Collection Service

Starting 4 August, North Herts residents will use blue-lidded bins for cardboard and paper, collected every three weeks along with alternating waste and recycling bins. Food waste stays weekly; garden waste is fortnightly for subscribers. Some collection days will change as routes are updated. The new system aims to boost recycling and reduce landfill.

Residents can find detailed FAQs, support, and information about drop-in sessions at www.north-herts.gov.uk/binchanges.

WATFORD

Watford Approves £3 Million Leisure Centre Transformation

Watford Borough Council has approved a £3 million upgrade for Watford Leisure Centre Central, starting late summer 2025. The revamp will nearly double gym and studio capacity, add a new spin studio, improve accessibility, and refurbish changing rooms and reception. Funding comes from the council and Everyone Active. A public consultation is underway.

WELWYN HATFIELD

Welwyn Hatfield Retains Triple Green Flag Awards

Welwyn Hatfield has kept its Green Flag Awards for Oak Hill Lawn Cemetery and Crematorium, King George V Playing Fields, and Stanborough Park—recognizing them as top-quality green spaces. The council manages these sites, with two run by GLL. The borough also hosted the Hertfordshire Green Flag ceremony for the first time. Councillor Sandreni Bonfante celebrated the achievement, while the council awaits results from four Anglia in Bloom award entries.

Welwyn Roman Baths Marks 50 Years with First County Archaeology Fair

Welwyn Roman Baths is celebrating 50 years since its discovery with Hertfordshire’s first archaeology fair on 26 July. The ancient site beneath the A1 features original Roman rooms and a new ‘50 Years Uncovered’ photo display. The event includes talks by leading archaeologists and stalls from museums across the county. Tickets are £6 for adults and £2 for children via the Roman Baths website.

HERTSMERE

Hertsmere Wins Eight Green Flag Awards for Parks Excellence

Eight parks across Hertsmere, including Bushey, Borehamwood, and Potters Bar, have earned Green Flag Awards for outstanding quality and maintenance. King George Recreation Ground leads with a 27-year winning streak, joined by Oakmere Park, Aberford Park, and others.
The awards celebrate the dedication of council teams, contractors, and community volunteers. Bushey Rose Garden also received Green Heritage Site Accreditation for its historic value.
Hertsmere now stands among 2,250 UK locations recognized for excellence in green spaces.

THREE RIVERS

Three Rivers Seeks Public Views on Local Plan

Three Rivers District Council is inviting residents to give feedback on proposed development sites and new policy ideas as part of the Regulation 18 Local Plan consultation, open from 16 July to 31 August 2025. The consultation covers up to 34 potential sites for future housing, infrastructure, and green belt protection. Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst said the process follows a green belt review and aims to reduce the government’s mandatory housing targets. Residents can take part online, with all responses published to ensure transparency.

Council Chair Celebrates Mission EmployAble Graduates

Councillor Stephen King, Chair of Three Rivers District Council, attended the Mission EmployAble graduation ceremony on 17 July 2025. Graduates were recognised for completing employability and vocational training, highlighting the programme’s contribution to improving job prospects and workforce skills in the community.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

Stunning 200-Year-Old Residence Blends Period Charm with Contemporary Luxury on Pooks Hill, St Albans

Chain free and newly renovated, this exceptional 200-year-old family home in prestigious Pooks Hill blends historic charm with modern luxury in one of St Albans’ finest conservation areas.

Key Features:

Six en-suite double bedrooms, including a principal suite with Juliet balcony
Spectacular 42ft open-plan kitchen/dining/living area with Tom Howley kitchen, Bertazzoni appliances, and roof lantern
Multiple reception rooms, plus separate snug and office
Entertainment complex with recreation room and gym
Ground-floor bedroom—ideal for staff or guests
Modern comforts: Underfloor heating and electronic gates
Period character seamlessly combined with contemporary finishes

Location & Gardens:
Set in mature, landscaped gardens adjoining Verulamium Park, the home offers complete privacy, woodland views, an expansive dining terrace, raised flowerbeds, and pergola—perfect for entertaining.

Transport Links:
St Albans City Station offers fast links to St Pancras (20 minutes) and easy access to the M25 and M1.

Appraisal:
A rare opportunity to own a landmark home offering space, luxury, and a prime location—this is St Albans living at its very best. Virtual tour available.

MONDAY MOTIVATION

“Summertime is always the best of what might be”
— Charles Bowden

“Summertime is always the best of what might be” is a reflection on the hope, potential, and sense of possibility that summer brings. Charles Bowden’s words capture how summer feels like a fresh start, a season full of promise, dreams, and the freedom to imagine new adventures. It’s a time when people are more open to change, relaxation, and making memories, reminding us that summer is not just about the present moment but about everything wonderful that could happen. The quote encourages us to embrace the opportunities and optimism that come with the season.

Happy Monday!

PICTURE OF THE WEEK