The County Council of Hertfordshire met on Tuesday 21 July 2026 to discuss a range of matters, including proposed changes to the Council's constitution, the Hertfordshire Youth Justice Plan for 2026-28, and several motions submitted by councillors on topics such as prostate cancer awareness, utility company works, and the placement of looked-after children. The meeting's agenda also included reports from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Health Scrutiny Committee, as well as the appointment of an interim Section 151 Officer.

Political Proportionality on Committees

The Council was scheduled to review the allocation of seats on its ordinary committees and sub-committees, as well as scrutiny committees, following a change in the Council's composition. This review, conducted by the Director of Law and Governance, aimed to ensure that the distribution of seats across party groups on committees reflected the overall political proportionality of the County Council, in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The report detailed the proposed seat allocations for various committees, including the Audit Committee, Development Control Committee, and the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

Hertfordshire Youth Justice Plan 2026-28

A report was presented regarding Hertfordshire's Youth Justice Plan for 2026-28. This plan outlines the provision and funding of youth justice services within the county, detailing how services will operate and what functions will be carried out. The plan, developed in collaboration with youth justice partners, focuses on two golden threads : the Voice of Children, Families and Victims and Disproportionality and Anti-Racist Practice. It also sets out four key priority areas for 2026-28, including enhancing the Youth Justice Partnership Board's effectiveness, strengthening early intervention and diversion pathways, improving support for victims of youth crime, and enhancing partnership-wide data maturity.

Motions on Notice

Several motions were scheduled for discussion:

Prostate Cancer Awareness

A motion submitted by Morris Bright MBE and seconded by Paul Seeby highlighted that prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer affecting men in England and a leading cause of cancer-related death. The motion noted that while Hertfordshire performs broadly in line with the England average on many cancer indicators, there is no dedicated county-wide strategy for prostate cancer awareness and earlier detection. The motion proposed that the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Community Safety work with NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board to develop a strategy, establish an annual awareness campaign, and develop targeted programmes for at-risk groups. It also called for annual reporting to Members on prostate cancer incidence and inequalities, and for a joint letter with Hertfordshire MPs to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care supporting a national screening programme.

Utility Company Works Disruption

A motion by Matt Cowley and seconded by Vishal Patel addressed concerns about disruption from utility company works on the highway. The motion noted that nearly a year after a commitment to reduce disruption, it remained a concern for residents. It proposed that a review of local processes for managing utility company works be undertaken, and that a Keeping Hertfordshire Moving Summit be convened to agree priorities for changes to national legislation around utility company roadworks. The motion also suggested that the Executive Member for Highways write to the Secretary of State for Transport following the summit to request further powers to tackle utility company disruption.

Out-of-County Placements for Looked-After Children

Paula Hiscocks and Dee Hart submitted a motion expressing concern over the number of Hertfordshire's looked-after children placed outside the county. The motion noted that at the end of March 2026, 393 children were placed outside the county, with 276 in neighbouring authorities. It highlighted that long-distance placements can disrupt children's education, stability, and access to local support services, raising concerns about whether placements are made solely on safeguarding necessity or if financial pressures and shortages in local provision are contributing factors. The motion recommended that the Executive Member for Children's Services publish a breakdown of out-of-county placements, an assessment of their impact, and a long-term plan to reduce reliance on such placements. It also recommended that financial pressures never override safeguarding needs.

Local Health Provision

Dee Hart and Morris Bright submitted a motion noting variable access to GP appointments, dental, and mental health services in Hertfordshire, alongside growing demand due to an increasing and aging population. The motion expressed concern about the Government's Health Bill distancing local decision-makers from meaningful engagement and the abandonment of Healthwatch and local care partnerships. It recommended an unambiguous statement on cancer services in Hertfordshire, meaningful engagement with towns and villages led by councillors and residents, prioritisation of local urgent care in the South West, and closer working with councils as 80% of health determinants are outside the health service. The motion further recommended that the Chair write to Hertfordshire MPs requesting they lobby through the Health Bill readings for engagement and improvement in local services.

Temporary Traffic Regulation Order Charges for Community Groups

Ian Albert and Alistair Willoughby submitted a motion noting the vital role of community groups, charities, and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in strengthening local identity and delivering events. The motion highlighted that temporary road closures are often required for these events, and that Hertfordshire County Council currently waives charges for Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs), but this arrangement is due to end in October 2026. The motion expressed concern that the cost of TTROs can be a significant barrier for volunteer-led organisations. It recommended the permanent continuation of exemptions from TTRO charges for community groups, charities, and BIDs, and a review of the criteria for exemptions. The motion also proposed writing to Hertfordshire Members of Parliament requesting that national regulations be updated to remove the statutory advertising requirement for TTROs in local newspapers.

Council of Sanctuary Accreditation

Alistair Willoughby and Dr Beth Kelly submitted a motion recognising the entitlement of people fleeing violence, persecution, and conflict to seek protection and to be treated with dignity. The motion acknowledged Hertfordshire's tradition of supporting those seeking sanctuary and the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers. It proposed that the Public Health and Community Safety Panel consider the implications of Hertfordshire County Council working towards recognition as a Council of Sanctuary. The motion requested officer advice on the accreditation process, existing support, potential benefits, risks, and resource implications, and opportunities for partnership working. It also suggested exploring a county-wide action plan to strengthen inclusion and access to services for refugees and asylum seekers, and considering the appointment of a Member Champion or cross-party working group.

Hertfordshire Youth Justice Plan 2026-28

The Council was scheduled to consider the Hertfordshire Youth Justice Plan for 2026-28. This plan, a statutory requirement under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, outlines the provision and funding of youth justice services in the county. It details how services will operate, the functions to be carried out, and addresses how offending behaviour will be prevented and reoffending reduced. The plan has been developed in collaboration with youth justice partners and workforce, and sets out priorities for the next two years, including a focus on the Voice of Children, Families and Victims and Disproportionality and Anti-Racist Practice.

Report from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

A report from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled for discussion. This report would likely detail the Committee's recent activities, including any scrutiny reviews undertaken or planned, and topics suggested for future work programmes. The report would also provide an update on the work of the Impact of Scrutiny Advisory Committee (ISAC).

Report from the Health Scrutiny Committee

The Health Scrutiny Committee was also due to present a report. This would likely include updates on its work programme, such as service development for community health provision, patient experience scrutiny, and palliative and end-of-life care services. The report would also cover the work of the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, including updates on public consultation responses and future service provision.

Interim Section 151 Officer and Director of Finance

The Council was asked to agree the appointment and designation of an interim Section 151 Officer (Director of Finance). This was to cover a defined period during 2026/27 due to the current permanent officer's extended leave. The report detailed the candidate's qualifications and experience, and the financial and legal implications of the appointment.

Proposed Changes to the Council's Constitution

Proposed revisions to Annex 3 of the Council's Constitution, specifically concerning the Audit Committee's responsibilities, were scheduled for consideration. These changes aim to ensure compliance with the Global Internal Audit Standards in the UK Public Sector and to clarify and strengthen the Audit Committee's responsibilities in relation to internal audit. Further proposed revisions to Annexes 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of the Constitution were also to be discussed, covering areas such as Council Standing Orders, Standing Orders for the Executive, and Standing Orders for Scrutiny Committees.

Motions on Notice (Referred to Cabinet Panels)

Several motions were noted as having been referred to the relevant Cabinet Panels for consideration:

• Highways Cabinet Panel: A motion concerning the reduction in Highways Maintenance spending and a request for a detailed briefing on Highways funding changes and their implications for services.
• Adult Care Services Cabinet Panel: A motion requesting a report on the delivery and impact of the supported living programme, including progress against targets, financial implications, and monitoring arrangements. Another motion referred to this panel concerned the spending of unspent legal contributions (Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levies) on infrastructure improvements.
• Public Health and Community Safety Cabinet Panel: A motion addressing Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or forever chemicals, recommending the establishment of a cross-panel working group, a county-wide awareness programme, and specific actions related to public health, water, land, environment, highways, procurement, children's services, and adult health and care. Another motion referred to this panel concerned the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy and the potential development of a county-wide Women's Safety Charter.