Real Counties Responds to ‘Hertfordshire’ Proposals

Real Counties Responds to Hertfordshire Local Government Reorganisation Consultation

The Campaign for Historic Counties (RealCounties.com) has formally responded to the Government’s statutory consultation on proposals for unitary local government across the current administrative “Hertfordshire” area.

The consultation, launched by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government following proposals invited by the Secretary of State, seeks views on three alternative models: the creation of two, three or four new unitary councils covering the existing county council area and its districts.

No Position on Administrative Boundaries

In its submission, the Campaign makes clear that it does not take a position on whether two, three or four unitary authorities should be established, nor on the detailed configuration of their boundaries.

Questions of service delivery, governance efficiency and ward configuration are properly matters for local authorities and central government. Administrative structures have changed many times in the past and may change again in future.

Respect for Historic County Identities

However, the Campaign has urged that, whatever structure is ultimately adopted, the outcome must clearly recognise and respect historic county geography.

The present administrative area labelled “Hertfordshire” does not precisely match the historic county of Hertfordshire, while it also includes parts of Middlesex, Essex and Bedfordshire. The Campaign has therefore stressed that any new administrative arrangements must not imply that historic counties are being redefined, replaced or abolished.

Local government areas are administrative constructs. Historic counties are geographical entities that long pre-date modern councils and remain part of the nation’s enduring framework.

ONS Recognition of Historic Counties

The Campaign’s submission draws attention to the 2024 Index of Place Names (IPN) User Guide issued by the Office for National Statistics. The ONS makes clear that historic counties continue to exist as part of the enduring geography of the nation and should be used as such.

This authoritative statement confirms that historic counties are distinct from administrative, ceremonial or statistical areas. Reorganisation of local government does not alter that fact.

A Call for Clear Distinction

RealCounties.com is calling on Ministers and councils to ensure that:

1. New unitary authorities are not presented as redefining or replacing historic counties. 2. Council names, branding, mapping and communications clearly distinguish between administrative areas and historic counties. 3. Residents in areas within Middlesex, Essex or Bedfordshire are not administratively described in ways that misstate their true county identity.

Spokesperson for the Campaign said:

Local government structures may come and go, but the historic counties remain the enduring geography of our country. This reorganisation presents an opportunity to set a clear example by recognising that administrative convenience must not override established county identities.

The Campaign will continue to monitor developments and advocate for accurate recognition of Britain’s historic counties throughout the reorganisation process.