The Hertfordshire County Council Cabinet met on Wednesday 17 June 2026, discussing a range of significant issues including the proposed structural changes to local government, the adoption of a new Healthier Air Strategy, and the sale of County Hall. Key decisions included approving the draft Road Safety Partnership Road Safety Strategy for public consultation, adopting the Healthier Air Strategy, and agreeing to progress to a statutory franchising assessment for bus services in North Herts, East Herts, and Stevenage, subject to funding confirmation. The Cabinet also agreed to declare County Hall and Leahoe House and Gardens surplus to requirements and authorised their disposal.

Structural Changes Order for Hertfordshire

Councillor Richard Roberts raised concerns about the government's proposed structural changes to local government in Hertfordshire, which would see the county broken up into four unitary authorities. He expressed dissatisfaction with the potential cost (£100-150 million), the absence of a mayor, and the miserly foundation status offered. Councillor Roberts argued that devolution, not reorganisation, was the true deal for Hertfordshire. Councillor Steve Jarvis, Leader of the Council, acknowledged he was not an enthusiast for the government's reorganisation programme, believing the benefits were long-term and that devolution offered greater opportunities. He stated that a mayor for Hertfordshire was desired, but a foundational authority was a mandatory step. Councillor Jarvis explained that the Council would provide input on how the process should operate, rather than simply refusing to engage, to ensure the best possible outcome for Hertfordshire residents. Councillor Roberts pressed further, urging the Council to express its concerns more forcefully to the government. Councillor Jarvis reiterated his preference for a constructive engagement approach, believing it was more likely to achieve a better outcome than public criticism.

Healthier Air Strategy

The Cabinet adopted the Healthier Air Strategy, which replaces the previous Air Quality Strategy. Councillor Ruth Brown, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth, explained that the strategy had been out for consultation, receiving 80% approval. A key change is the inclusion of indoor environments, moving beyond traditional roadside measurements. Councillor Adrian England shared a positive experience visiting Beechfield School in Watford, where students demonstrated a strong understanding of behavioural changes for healthier air. Councillor Ajanta Hilton endorsed the strategy, highlighting its integration with public health and sustainable Hertfordshire initiatives. She emphasised the shift from air quality to healthier air, encompassing both outdoor and indoor pollution, and noted that poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK. The strategy aims for holistic interventions, working with various health partners and voluntary organisations.

East Herts Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)

The Cabinet endorsed and formally adopted the East Herts Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). Councillor Ruth Brown, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth, reported that the plan had been developed over three years with community input and public consultation. It focuses on the five largest settlements in East Herts: Hertford, Ware, Bishop's Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, and Buntingford, as well as Group 1 villages. Councillor Adrian England noted that this made East Herts the eighth district in Hertfordshire to adopt an LCWIP, highlighting an increased pace of delivery under the current administration. He thanked officers and residents for their contributions.

Bus Services Franchising Assessment

The Cabinet agreed to progress to a full statutory franchising assessment for bus services in North Herts, East Herts, and Stevenage, subject to the Department for Transport (DfT) confirming funding. Councillor Ruth Brown explained that pre-assessment work had been positive, and an application for additional funding had been made. She noted that the outcome was delayed but expressed optimism about the opportunity to improve transport, particularly in rural areas, by connecting villages with towns. Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Executive Member for Highways, acknowledged the potential costs involved, including an estimated annual cost of nearly £7 million, but stressed the benefits for getting people back onto the bus network and promoting sustainable transport. He expressed disappointment at the delay in the funding decision but agreed it was a necessary step. Councillor Jarvis, Leader of the Council, emphasised that bus franchising was essential for improving public transport in Hertfordshire, citing the current arrangements as impossibly difficult. He hoped the DfT would fund the next stage, with a prospect of visible improvements within a couple of years.

Development of Nursing Home Provision in Hertfordshire

The Cabinet approved the mobilisation of a programme to deliver between six and eight new specialist dementia nursing care homes, utilising an innovative social investment model. Councillor Sally Symington, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Adult Care Services, highlighted the unanimous support from relevant Cabinet panels. She explained the context of rising demand from an ageing population and increasing complexity of need, noting a forecast gap of over 800 beds and a projected cost pressure of £18 million. The social investment model aims to unlock capacity by working with partners to deliver at scale and pace, complementing broader approaches to prevention, reablement, and supporting independent living. Councillor Tris Lucas, Executive Member for Resources and Performance, praised the innovative and groundbreaking nature of the proposal, which he believed would address a real and growing issue in nursing care provision affordably and rapidly.

Structural Changes Order for Hertfordshire

The Cabinet considered and endorsed the proposed responses to the Department of MHCLG regarding the structural changes order for Hertfordshire. Councillor Jarvis, Leader of the Council, emphasised that the Council was only answering the government's questions and that the minister would ultimately decide the order's content. He stressed the importance of providing input to ensure the process, even if not desired, was conducted in a way that best favoured Hertfordshire's residents.

Future of Landholdings South of the A505 in Royston

The Cabinet agreed to declare the County Council's land holdings south of the A505 in Royston surplus to requirements and authorised their disposal. Councillor Chris Lucas, Executive Member for Resources and Performance, explained that the land was acquired for highways and education purposes but never used. Officers reviewed its potential for frontline services but found no realistic alternative use. The land is allocated for residential development, and a joint sale with the Highfield Land Trust (HLT) is recommended to enable comprehensive redevelopment. Councillor Ruth Brown, Local Member for Royston East and Ermine, inquired about alternative uses beyond housing, such as sports provision. Councillor Lucas confirmed that the decision allowed for consideration of alternative disposal strategies, including open market sales.

Sale of County Hall and Leahoe House and Gardens, Hertford

The Cabinet agreed to declare County Hall and Leahoe House and Gardens surplus to requirements and authorised their disposal to City & Country as the preferred bidder. Councillor Chris Lucas, Executive Member for Resources and Performance, stated that County Hall was no longer required for council operations, with functions relocated to the Stevenage Campus. He highlighted that the sale would generate a capital receipt and save £2.3 million per annum in running costs. Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Executive Member for Highways, praised the retention and reprofiling of the heritage buildings, noting the positive implications for the climate change agenda. Concerns were raised about the future of external spaces, including the cricket pitch and woodland, with officers proposing usage restrictions in the sale agreement to preserve them for recreation and nature. Assurances were also sought regarding the heritage value of spaces like the former council chamber and ballroom, with heritage restrictions meaning they would not be converted into housing. The Cabinet also agreed to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the Part II discussion of this item, citing the disclosure of exempt information relating to financial and business affairs.

Bus Services Franchising Assessment

The Cabinet agreed to progress to a full statutory franchising assessment for bus services in North Herts, East Herts, and Stevenage, subject to the DfT confirming funding. Councillor Ruth Brown, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth, explained that pre-assessment work had been positive and that an application for additional funding had been made. She highlighted the opportunity to improve transport, particularly in rural areas, by connecting villages with towns. Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Executive Member for Highways, acknowledged the potential costs but stressed the benefits for sustainable transport and getting people back onto the bus network. He expressed disappointment at the delay in the funding decision but agreed that the statutory assessment was a necessary step. Councillor Jarvis, Leader of the Council, stated that bus franchising was essential for improving public transport in Hertfordshire, as current arrangements were impossibly difficult. He expressed hope that the DfT would fund the next stage, with a prospect of visible improvements within a couple of years.

Development of Nursing Home Provision in Hertfordshire

The Cabinet approved the mobilisation of a programme to deliver between six and eight new specialist dementia nursing care homes, utilising an innovative social investment model. Councillor Sally Symington, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Adult Care Services, highlighted the unanimous support from relevant Cabinet panels. She explained the context of rising demand from an ageing population and increasing complexity of need, noting a projected shortfall of over 800 beds and a cost pressure of £18 million. The social investment model aims to unlock capacity by working with partners, complementing broader approaches to prevention, reablement, and supporting independent living. Councillor Tris Lucas, Executive Member for Resources and Performance, praised the innovative and groundbreaking nature of the proposal, which he believed would address a significant issue affordably and rapidly.

Future of Landholdings South of the A505 in Royston

The Cabinet agreed to declare the County Council's land holdings south of the A505 in Royston surplus to requirements and authorised their disposal. Councillor Chris Lucas, Executive Member for Resources and Performance, explained that the land was acquired for highways and education purposes but never used. He noted that officers had reviewed its potential for frontline services but found no realistic alternative use. The land is allocated for residential development, and a joint sale with the Highfield Land Trust (HLT) is recommended to enable comprehensive redevelopment. Councillor Ruth Brown, Local Member for Royston East and Ermine, inquired about alternative uses, such as sports provision. Councillor Lucas confirmed that the decision allowed for consideration of alternative disposal strategies, including open market sales.

Sale of County Hall and Leahoe House and Gardens, Hertford

The Cabinet agreed to declare County Hall and Leahoe House and Gardens surplus to requirements and authorised their disposal to City & Country as the preferred bidder. Councillor Chris Lucas, Executive Member for Resources and Performance, stated that County Hall was no longer required for council operations, with functions relocated to the Stevenage Campus. He highlighted that the sale would generate a capital receipt and save £2.3 million per annum in running costs. Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Executive Member for Highways, praised the retention and reprofiling of the heritage buildings, noting the positive implications for the climate change agenda. Concerns were raised about the future of external spaces, including the cricket pitch and woodland, with officers proposing usage restrictions in the sale agreement to preserve them for recreation and nature. Assurances were also sought regarding the heritage value of spaces like the former council chamber and ballroom, with heritage restrictions meaning they would not be converted into housing. The Cabinet also agreed to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the Part II discussion of this item, citing the disclosure of exempt information relating to financial and business affairs.

Hertfordshire's Road Safety Partnership Road Safety Strategy

The Cabinet agreed that the draft Road Safety Partnership Road Safety Strategy should go for public consultation. Councillor Ruth Brown, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth, explained that the strategy aligns with the new National Road Safety Strategy and adopts a safe system approach covering safer speeds, users, places, vehicles, and response times. She noted that Hertfordshire County Council has direct influence over at least two of these areas: speeds and places.

East Herts Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)

The Cabinet supported the changes made to the East Herts LCWIP as a result of public consultation and formally adopted the plan. Councillor Ruth Brown reported that the LCWIP had been developed over three years with community input and stakeholder engagement. It focuses on the five largest settlements in East Herts and includes proposals for links between them. Councillor Adrian England noted that this made East Herts the eighth district in Hertfordshire to adopt an LCWIP, indicating an increased pace of delivery.

Decision on Progression to a Statutory Franchising Assessment for Bus Services in North Herts, East Herts and Stevenage

The Cabinet agreed to progress to a full statutory franchising assessment for bus services in North Herts, East Herts, and Stevenage, subject to the DfT confirming funding. Councillor Ruth Brown explained that pre-assessment work had been positive and an application for additional funding had been made. She highlighted the opportunity to improve transport, particularly in rural areas, by connecting villages with towns. Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE acknowledged the potential costs but stressed the benefits for sustainable transport and getting people back onto the bus network. Councillor Jarvis, Leader of the Council, stated that bus franchising was essential for improving public transport in Hertfordshire, as current arrangements were impossibly difficult. He expressed hope that the DfT would fund the next stage, with a prospect of visible improvements within a couple of years.

Development of Nursing Home Provision in Hertfordshire

The Cabinet approved the mobilisation of a programme to deliver between six and eight new specialist dementia nursing care homes, utilising an innovative social investment model. Councillor Sally Symington, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Adult Care Services, highlighted the unanimous support from relevant Cabinet panels. She explained the context of rising demand from an ageing population and increasing complexity of need, noting a projected shortfall of over 800 beds and a cost pressure of £18 million. The social investment model aims to unlock capacity by working with partners, complementing broader approaches to prevention, reablement, and supporting independent living. Councillor Tris Lucas, Executive Member for Resources and Performance, praised the innovative and groundbreaking nature of the proposal, which he believed would address a significant issue affordably and rapidly.

Consideration of Proposals Submitted by MHCLG Regarding the Structural Changes Order for Hertfordshire

The Cabinet considered and endorsed the proposed responses to the Department of MHCLG regarding the structural changes order for Hertfordshire. Councillor Jarvis, Leader of the Council, emphasised that the Council was only answering the government's questions and that the minister would ultimately decide the order's content. He stressed the importance of providing input to ensure the process, even if not desired, was conducted in a way that best favoured Hertfordshire's residents.

Future of Landholdings South of the A505 in Royston

The Cabinet agreed to declare the County Council's land holdings south of the A505 in Royston surplus to requirements and authorised their disposal. Councillor Chris Lucas, Executive Member for Resources and Performance, explained that the land was acquired for highways and education purposes but never used. He noted that officers had reviewed its potential for frontline services but found no realistic alternative use. The land is allocated for residential development, and a joint sale with the Highfield Land Trust (HLT) is recommended to enable comprehensive redevelopment. Councillor Ruth Brown, Local Member for Royston East and Ermine, inquired about alternative uses, such as sports provision. Councillor Lucas confirmed that the decision allowed for consideration of alternative disposal strategies, including open market sales.

Sale of County Hall and Leahoe House and Gardens, Hertford

The Cabinet agreed to declare County Hall and Leahoe House and Gardens surplus to requirements and authorised their disposal to City & Country as the preferred bidder. Councillor Chris Lucas, Executive Member for Resources and Performance, stated that County Hall was no longer required for council operations, with functions relocated to the Stevenage Campus. He highlighted that the sale would generate a capital receipt and save £2.3 million per annum in running costs. Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Executive Member for Highways, praised the retention and reprofiling of the heritage buildings, noting the positive implications for the climate change agenda. Concerns were raised about the future of external spaces, including the cricket pitch and woodland, with officers proposing usage restrictions in the sale agreement to preserve them for recreation and nature. Assurances were also sought regarding the heritage value of spaces like the former council chamber and ballroom, with heritage restrictions meaning they would not be converted into housing. The Cabinet also agreed to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the Part II discussion of this item, citing the disclosure of exempt information relating to financial and business affairs.