Subscribe to updates
You'll receive weekly summaries about Hertfordshire Council every week.
If you have any requests or comments please let us know at community@opencouncil.network. We can also provide custom updates on particular topics across councils.
County Council - Tuesday, 22 July 2025 10.00 am
July 22, 2025 View on council website Watch video of meeting Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
The County Council of Hertfordshire met to discuss several key issues, including political proportionality, revisions to the council's constitution, a petition regarding traffic enforcement, and the Youth Justice Plan. Tributes were also paid to former Councillor Alan Plancy.
The council addressed errors in prior calculations of political proportionality on committees, unanimously approved revisions to its constitution, and debated a petition concerning traffic congestion at the Rush Green Roundabout.
Tributes to Alan Plancy
The meeting began with tributes to Alan Plancy, a former County Councillor and Honorary Alderman, who recently passed away. Councillor Anthony Rowland, speaking for the Liberal Democrat group, remembered Plancy's wide experience, deep compassion and an abiding and unquenchable desire to do his best for all who he served
from their time together on the adoption panel. Councillor Richard Roberts recalled Plancy's work enhancing the reputation of Jewish communities in Hertfordshire and his ability to make people smile. Councillor Hurst spoke of Plancy's support when he was a new councillor, and Councillor Bell praised his advice on Holocaust remembrance events in Watford.
Political Proportionality on Committees
Following a review that revealed an error in previous calculations, the council unanimously approved a revised distribution of seats across its committees to comply with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Councillor Steve Jarvis, Leader of the Council, explained that the changes were needed to ensure proper proportionality across all committees. Councillor Richard Roberts welcomed the new arrangements, and Councillor Doug Bainbridge thanked officers for their hard work in sorting the problem out.
Revisions to the Council's Constitution
The council voted to approve revisions to Annex 6 of its constitution, specifically Standing Orders 8, 9, and 11. These revisions adjust the allocation of motions and written questions to reflect the new balance of power among the political groups in the council. The changes also aim to ensure fairness in debates, giving all groups an opportunity to participate. Councillor Sally Simington noted the irony of the Conservative group now supporting changes they had previously resisted when they were in the majority. Councillor Roberts explained that the changes were needed to ensure proper debate, especially for smaller parties. The approved changes also mean that speeches will be slightly shorter, and motion time will be used more efficiently.
Public Petition: Enforcement of Urban Clearway at Rush Green
Nigel Bowen presented a public petition concerning traffic congestion at the McDonald's /BP site on the Rush Green Roundabout. He requested that the council install enforcement cameras to address the issue. Councillor Helen Campbell moved a motion acknowledging the problem and committing to finding a sustainable solution.
The motion recognised that Hertfordshire County Council needs agreement from the Secretary of Transport to undertake camera enforcement on the A4141. Councillor Matt Cowley supported the motion, emphasising the need to support businesses while ensuring they do not adversely affect residents. Councillor Bainbridge suggested McDonald's should be involved in finding a solution. Councillor Ben Crystal supported the motion and called for an open options appraisal report. Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst explained the legal limitations preventing the council from enforcing the clearway and expressed openness to discussions with McDonald's about contributing to enforcement costs. The council voted to pass the motion.
Hertfordshire Youth Justice Plan 2025-2026
Councillor Anthony Rowlands introduced the Hertfordshire Youth Justice Plan 2025-2026, highlighting its focus on the voice of children, families, and victims, as well as addressing disproportionality and anti-racist practices. Councillor Fiona Thomson acknowledged the plan's strong performance and partnerships, while also noting areas needing close monitoring, such as disproportionality and the increase in serious violence offences committed by under 18s. Councillor Ralph Munzer spoke in support of the plan, emphasising the importance of early intervention and partnership working. Councillor Beth Kelly raised concerns about the percentage of children not in suitable education, employment, or training. The council voted to approve the plan.
Executive Report
Councillor Jarvis presented the Executive Report, outlining progress made in the first hundred days of the new administration's ten-point plan. Achievements included setting up a SEND Summit, launching a trial for fixing adjacent potholes, reviewing the speed management strategy, scrapping plans to cut household recycling site hours, agreeing to relocate council operations to Stevenage, and launching a tree planting initiative.
Conservative Group Motion on Notice
Councillor Roberts introduced a motion expressing concern about the scale of change facing the council, particularly with local government reorganisation and the unfair funding review2. He called for strategic thinking to deliver a Hertfordshire for the future that is in the best interests of residents and businesses. Councillor Jarvis expressed sympathy for the concerns raised but argued against a single unitary council, favouring two unitary councils instead. Councillor Taylor-Moran stated that the Green group did not support the motion. Councillor Bell said that the Labour group would be voting against the motion. After further debate, the motion was defeated.
Labour Group Motion on Notice: Youth Parliament
Councillor Willoughby introduced a motion to re-establish a youth parliament in Hertfordshire, emphasizing the importance of empowering young people and preparing them for democratic participation. Councillor Kelly supported the motion, highlighting the benefits of engaging young people in local democracy. Councillor Lucas proposed an amendment to ensure the re-establishment was subject to available resources, which was accepted. Councillor Watkin spoke in favour of the motion, regretting potential funding cuts. The council voted to approve the amended motion.
Questions to Executive Members
The council then moved to questions to executive members, covering topics such as road repairs, adult care funding, local government reorganisation, youth services, and the Youth Justice Plan.
Reports from Committees
The council received reports from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Health Scrutiny Committee, and the Annual Report of the Audit Committee for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.
Motions on Notice
The meeting concluded with a motion from Councillor Muncer regarding delays in the Breakspear School expansion, a motion from Councillor Graham regarding pressures faced by Hertfordshire's high streets, a motion from Councillor Cowley regarding incursions into the highway, and a motion from Councillor Willoughby regarding the Highways Locality Budget.
Attendees














































































Topics
No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.
Meeting Documents
Agenda
Additional Documents