The Cabinet of Hertfordshire Council met on Wednesday 22 April 2026, deciding to close two primary schools, Albury Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School and St Nicholas Elstree Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, both with effect from 31 August 2026, due to persistently low pupil numbers and financial unsustainability. The Cabinet also approved capital spending of £18.53 million from Section 106 developer funding to support the delivery of new school places for the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town development.

Closure of Albury Church of England VA Primary School and St Nicholas Elstree Church of England VA Primary School

The Cabinet has agreed to the statutory proposal to close Albury Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School and St Nicholas Elstree Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, both with effect from 31 August 2026.

Executive Member for Education, SEND and Inclusion, Mark Watkin, introduced the item, stating that the decision was a difficult but necessary one due to the unsustainable pupil numbers and financial risks facing both schools. He emphasised that the decision was not a reflection on the quality of education or the dedication of the staff and governing bodies.

For Albury Church of England VA Primary School, the report highlighted a physical capacity of 84 pupils but only 11 on roll from reception to year 6, with just two children in nursery. Despite 96% of respondents objecting during public consultation and over 98% during the statutory period, the Cabinet was required to weigh these responses against educational sustainability and financial evidence. Councillor Sally Simington, Deputy Leader of the Council, acknowledged the sadness of the decision for the community but agreed with the recommendation, stating the need to take an overarching view of education across the county. The proposal to close the school was carried unanimously.

St Nicholas Elstree Church of England VA Primary School faces a similar challenge with a physical capacity for 210 pupils but only 46 on roll. Despite a reduction in its Published Admission Number (PAN), the school has significant surplus places. While 130 out of 138 responses objected to the closure proposal, the Cabinet noted the community impact but balanced this against the duty to ensure a stable, high-quality educational experience. Concerns were raised about the proposed shift to two mixed-age classes covering seven year groups, which would strain curriculum delivery. Forecast growth did not justify keeping the school open. The recommendation to close St Nicholas Elstree Church of England VA Primary School was also unanimously approved.

Update on Delivery of New School Places for Gilston Development

The Cabinet received an update on the delivery of new school places to support the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town development, which aims to provide 16,000 new homes by 2033. The development includes significant infrastructure investment, with five councils collaborating through the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Board.

Executive Member for Resources and Performance, Chris Lucas, presented the report, highlighting the need for flexibility in providing primary school places as the development unfolds. The Cabinet agreed to release £18.53 million from the capital budget, funded through Section 106 developer funding, for the delivery of new schools. This funding will support the development of a 3FE (three forms of entry) Primary School in Village 1, with a capital budget of £18.53 million, and a further Primary School in Village 7, also with a capital budget of £18.53 million. The exact timing of the funding release and school delivery will depend on the developers' build-out timelines and the location of the first house occupations. Councillor Sally Simington welcomed the proactive approach to ensuring schools are ready for new residents, addressing a common concern from residents about infrastructure not keeping pace with development. Councillor Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth, noted the challenge of balancing early infrastructure delivery with developer ambitions but expressed confidence that the proposed flexibility would minimise risks. The recommendations were agreed.

Dacorum Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)

The Cabinet formally adopted the Dacorum Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth, Paul Zukowskyj, introduced the plan, highlighting that this is the seventh district in Hertfordshire to complete such a plan. He noted that LCWIPs are crucial for attracting national funding for active transport and supporting safer routes to schools. Councillor Sally Symington, Deputy Leader of the Council, welcomed the plan, specifically mentioning its potential to help residents in the Dacorum area shift to more sustainable travel options and connect key areas. She also noted the procurement of an e-bike scheme, which would provide valuable data to support future funding bids. The plan was formally adopted.

Approval of the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy Principles – Work Plan

The Cabinet approved the work plan for the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy. Executive Member for Sustainability, Adrian England, presented the plan, which follows the strategy's adoption in February. He emphasised that the work plan aims to embed sustainability across all council activities, recognising its importance in resource management and preventative initiatives. Councillor Chris Lucas welcomed the plan, highlighting its cross-party support and its importance in monitoring progress. Councillor Sally Symington specifically welcomed progress on revising the speed management strategy, which will make it easier for residents to propose changes to speed limits, particularly the introduction of 20mph zones around schools and village centres. Councillor Anthony Rowlands provided reassurance on a specific metric within the children's services infographic concerning initial child protection conferences, noting that while there had been a slip, the percentage had already started to recover. The recommendations were agreed.

Future of Land at Highfield Farm, Tyttenhanger and Former Bill Everett Centre, Watford

The Cabinet agreed to declare the land at Highfield Farm, Tyttenhanger, and the former Bill Everett Centre in Watford, as surplus to requirements and available for disposal. Executive Member for Resources and Performance, Chris Lucas, explained that these sites were no longer required by the County Council and that disposal would generate capital receipts to benefit Hertfordshire residents. The agreement of the terms of disposal for both sites was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources and Performance. Councillor Mark Watkin expressed delight at the decision-making progress, noting the historical significance of the former Bill Everett Centre and the long overdue action being taken.

Future of Secure Tenancies

The Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Executive Member for Resources and Performance, to agree the terms of disposal for the Council's secure tenancies. Councillor Chris Lucas highlighted that the Council is not a housing authority and that these secure tenancies are not operational assets. The aim is to transfer them to an organisation better positioned to manage them, ensuring no tenants are displaced. Councillor Sharon Taylor welcomed the reassurance that no one would lose their home and stressed the importance of finding an appropriate housing provider. Councillor Paul Zukowskyj sought clarification on whether the 35 tenancies might be managed by more than one organisation due to geographic spread, and Chris Lucas confirmed this would be considered based on market offers.

Approval of the Strategic Asset Management Plan 2025-2029

The Cabinet approved the new Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) 2025-2029. Executive Member for Resources and Performance, Chris Lucas, presented the plan, noting the Council's significant portfolio of around 2,000 assets valued at over £3 billion, generating approximately £19 million in annual income. He emphasised the administration's commitment to strategically managing these assets, including disposing of those that are surplus to requirements. Councillor Mark Watkin questioned whether income-generating properties were being managed effectively to ensure income exceeded management costs. Chris Lucas assured that the plan focused on strategic management, including retaining assets that generate income and disposing of those that do not. Councillor Adrian England welcomed the plan, comparing it to taking unnecessary weight off a journey. Councillor Chris Davis praised the plan for addressing the failings of the previous administration in strategically managing assets. The plan was approved.

The meeting concluded with the Cabinet agreeing to the recommendations presented.