Following the Chancellor’s statement last month, speculation about devolving powers from Westminster and possible local government reorganisation has emerged.
In common with other local authorities, the Council is now awaiting the contents of the Government’s Devolution White Paper which is expected to set out its thinking on devolution in England and any proposals for local government reform. The Government has indicated that the White Paper will be published by the end of the year. Only then can the options available in Hertfordshire be understood and full consideration be given to what is in the best interests of our residents and businesses.
Broxbourne Council, along with Hertfordshire County Council and the other districts and boroughs in the county, is open to having discussions with Government officials, MPs and Ministers about the powers it might want to give to councils and the potential benefits this might realise.
However, the Council is opposed to the abolition of district and borough councils and believes that such a change would have significant adverse effects, moving local decision-making and service delivery further away from local residents and the communities they live in.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Mark Mills-Bishop said:
We are open to discussions if the government wants to talk about devolution and will study the contents of any White Paper.
“However, I do not want local decisions and power moving away from our people and Broxbourne. It would damage local democratic credibility and accountability.
"Hertfordshire is a successful, dynamic county and Broxbourne is part of that success. I see no compelling reason, nor is there any ardent view on my part, for a new governance regime in the county. Our members want Broxbourne to remain part of the current system