The Hertfordshire Growth Board met on Tuesday 2 June 2026 to appoint its new chair and vice-chairs, and to discuss and endorse the draft Digital Strategy for Hertfordshire, 2026-36. The Board also reviewed the Hertfordshire Growth Board Delivery Plan and Budget for 2026-27.

Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chairs

Steve Jarvis was appointed as the new Chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board. Councillor Jeremy Newmark and Councillor Richard Henry were reappointed as Vice-Chairs.

Draft Digital Strategy for Hertfordshire, 2026-36

The Board discussed and endorsed the draft Digital Strategy for Hertfordshire, 2026-36. This strategy aims to harness digital connectivity, data, technology, and AI to drive productivity, foster innovation, and ensure all residents and businesses benefit from digital opportunities.

The strategy outlines four key ambitions:

• Digital Infrastructure: This ambition focuses on improving both broadband and mobile connectivity across the county. It acknowledges the progress made in gigabit broadband coverage but highlights the need to address remaining gaps, particularly in multi-dwelling units and rural areas. For mobile infrastructure, the strategy aims to improve coverage and capacity, facilitate access to public assets for telecoms equipment, and develop solutions for not-spots.
• Digital Inclusion: This section addresses the barriers to digital inclusion, including access, affordability, and skills. It highlights the Digital Exclusion Risk Index (DERI) for Hertfordshire and emphasizes the need for accessible alternatives for those who remain digitally excluded. The strategy proposes actions such as promoting social tariffs, coordinating device recycling, and enhancing the Digital Help Finder tool.
• Digital Adoption: This ambition focuses on encouraging businesses to adopt digital technologies to improve productivity and resilience. It notes the growing importance of digital skills across all sectors and highlights the role of FE Colleges and the University of Hertfordshire in delivering relevant training. The strategy also addresses the emerging impact of AI and proposes developing local guidelines for its responsible use.
• Digital Development: This ambition centres on the development of digital infrastructure, particularly data centres, and their role in fostering industry clusters and driving economic growth. It acknowledges the significant opportunities and challenges presented by data centres, including their energy and water consumption. The strategy also explores wider perspectives on development, such as innovation districts and corridors, and aims to position Hertfordshire as a leading location for digital investment.

During the discussion, several points were raised by Board members:

• Councillor Jeremy Newmark highlighted the need for granularity in local guidelines for responsible AI use, particularly for sectors like film and TV, and questioned the tangible benefits of the AI Growth Zone designation.
• Councillor Peter Taylor inquired about the progress of the joint service with Essex for digital inclusion and the governance clarity for delivering the strategy's aspirations.
• Councillor Ben Crystal raised concerns about the remaining gigabit coverage gaps in three districts and felt the strategy's approach to AI was underwhelmed given its rapid impact.
• Councillor Rose Grewal and Councillor Sally Symington emphasized the need for greater focus on sustainability, particularly regarding water usage and nature-based solutions for data centres.
• Councillor Richard Henry expressed concerns about keeping pace with digital advancements and ensuring no residents or SMEs are left behind, questioning the support that being a foundation strategic authority would bring.
• Mark Edwards from NHS Central East ICB offered to collaborate on the neighbourhood health plan, particularly concerning digital exclusion and AI infrastructure access.
• Councillor Sally Symington also raised concerns about mobile infrastructure coverage, noting disappointing figures and the impact on everyday services.

Neil Hayes, Director of Hertfordshire Growth Board, responded to these points, acknowledging the need for granularity, confirming the digital inclusion service is now Hertfordshire-only, and agreeing to incorporate feedback on sustainability and AI. He also noted that the strategy would be a live document requiring annual review.

The Board agreed to endorse the draft Digital Strategy, subject to the incorporation of the discussed changes.

Hertfordshire Growth Board Delivery Plan and Budget

The Board reviewed the Hertfordshire Growth Board Delivery Plan and Budget for 2026-27. Neil Hayes presented the plan, which outlines four key areas of focus: advocacy, strategic engagement, governance alignment with devolution, and the future role of the Growth Board.

Key points from the discussion included:

• The pooled business rate growth pot established in 2019 has been depleted, meaning operational funding for the Growth Board will expire in its current guise.
• The plan emphasizes the Growth Board's role in advocating for Hertfordshire, engaging with government on key issues, and coordinating strategies such as the Local Transport Plan and the emerging Spatial Development Strategy.
• There is a need to streamline governance and align it with devolution language, building on areas of success like the Hertfordshire Innovation and Business Development (HIDB).
• The budget for 2026-27 is £410,681, which is within the remaining balance of the Hertfordshire Business Rates Retention Pilot Growth Reserve.
• The plan includes activities such as seeking AI Growth Zone designation, supporting the UK Screen Investment Programme, developing a Hertfordshire Film and TV Festival, and promoting inward investment.
• Emphasis was placed on placemaking, employment, skills, and social value, with ongoing work on the Healthy and Safe Places Framework and a pilot for Employment, Skills and Social Value in Watford.

The Board was asked to note and agree the proposed Delivery Plan and Budget for 2026-27.