HCC statement: The Government has announced a review of the Local Government Reorganisation decision relating to the creation of four unitary authorities in Hertfordshire. As part of this announcement, the Government has confirmed that the elections to the Shadow Authorities will not take place in May 2027. Local authorities will continue with their usual cycle of local elections for 2027. We will continue to work collaboratively across all Hertfordshire Councils and engage constructively with ministers and officials throughout the review. We will also carefully consider any implications arising from its conclusions. Most importantly, we want to reassure residents and staff that our focus remains firmly on delivering high-quality services and supporting our communities. Whatever the outcome of the review, we will continue to work together in the best interests of Hertfordshire and keep residents informed as further information becomes available.
Background
The Government has announced a review of its previous decision to reorganise Hertfordshire’s local councils into four new unitary authorities.
As part of this announcement:
- The proposed Shadow Authority elections scheduled for May 2027 have been cancelled.
- Existing councils will continue operating as normal.
- Local elections in 2027 will take place under current arrangements.
- The Government will undertake a further review before confirming next steps.
What does this mean right now?
In practical terms, very little changes immediately.
Providers should continue to:
- Deliver services as normal.
- Work with existing Hertfordshire County Council teams.
- Follow existing contractual arrangements.
- Engage with current safeguarding and quality assurance processes.
- Continue planned workforce development activities.
There are currently no announced changes to provider contracts or service delivery arrangements arising from this review. Based on the Government statement, local authorities will continue operating under existing structures while the review takes place.
What has changed?
The main change is increased uncertainty about the future structure of local government in Hertfordshire.
Questions that may now be reconsidered include:
- The number and boundaries of any future councils.
- Governance arrangements.
- Timescales for implementation.
- Future commissioning and partnership structures.
No decisions have yet been announced regarding alternative arrangements. The review process will determine what happens next.
What has not changed?
The following remain unchanged:
- CQC regulation.
- Adult social care legislation.
- Safeguarding responsibilities.
- Existing provider contracts.
- Workforce development programmes.
- The Care Professional Academy (CPA) membership and benefits.
- HCPA support services.
What will HCPA be doing?
HCPA will:
- Monitor all developments closely.
- Continue to represent provider interests.
- Gather intelligence from providers.
- Engage with HCC, local councils, NHS partners and Government stakeholders.
- Provide updates as new information becomes available.
- Highlight any risks to service sustainability, workforce development or market stability.
What are HCPA’s priorities?
We will continue to advocate for:
- Stable, high-quality care services.
- Strong provider engagement.
- Effective market shaping.
- Workforce investment and development.
- Continuity of support for care providers.
- Strong partnerships between social care, health and local government.
Frequently asked questions
Are provider contracts changing?
No. There have been no announcements regarding changes to existing contracts.
Will safeguarding arrangements change?
No immediate changes have been announced.
Will HCC Adult Care Services still operate?
Yes. Existing councils continue to operate and deliver services during the review.
Should providers do anything now?
Providers should continue operating as normal while remaining engaged with HCPA updates.
Will there be consultation opportunities?
We expect further engagement opportunities as the review develops. HCPA will share information when available.
HCPA Commitment
Our priority remains supporting providers, protecting the stability of the care market and ensuring the voice of adult social care is heard throughout the review process.
We will keep members informed as further information becomes available.