The Cabinet of Hertfordshire Council met on Wednesday 22 April 2026, deciding to close two Church of England primary schools, Albury Church of England VA Primary School and St Nicholas Elstree Church of England VA Primary School, both effective from 31 August 2026, due to persistently low pupil numbers and financial unsustainability. The Cabinet also approved capital spending of £18.53 million for new school places to serve the Gilston development and formally adopted the Dacorum Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

Closure of Albury Church of England VA Primary School

The Cabinet agreed to the statutory proposal to close Albury Church of England VA Primary School, Albury, Ware, with effect from 31 August 2026. This decision was made due to extremely low and falling pupil numbers, a lack of future demand, and significant educational and financial risks. Despite 96% of respondents objecting during public consultation and over 98% during the statutory notice period, the Cabinet concluded that popular support alone could not make the school viable. Support for pupils and staff will be provided during the transition.

Closure of St Nicholas Church of England VA Primary School, Elstree

Similarly, the Cabinet approved the statutory proposal to close St Nicholas Elstree Church of England VA Primary School, Elstree, from 31 August 2026. The school faces persistently low pupil numbers, significant surplus capacity, and concerns regarding the impact on educational quality. Forecasted demand does not justify keeping the school open. The Cabinet acknowledged the community impact but emphasised the duty to ensure a stable, high-quality educational experience for pupils across Hertfordshire. Support will be provided for pupils, including those with SEND, to secure suitable alternative school places.

Update on Delivery of New School Places for Gilston Development

The Cabinet agreed to authorise the approval of capital budgets for two new primary schools within the Gilston Garden Town development. A 3FE (Form of Entry) primary school in Village 1 will receive £18.53 million, funded potentially through the Housing Infrastructure Grant (HIG) or Section 106 developer funding. A further £18.53 million is approved for a Village 7 Primary School, funded by Section 106 contributions. Funding from Section 106 contributions will be allocated as received, with the final contract values delegated to the Executive Director of Children's Services & Education in consultation with relevant executive members. The council will also run a competition to find a suitable School Trust to operate the new schools.

Dacorum Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)

The Cabinet formally adopted the Dacorum Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). This plan, developed in partnership with Dacorum Borough Council, identifies key walking and cycling routes and prioritises infrastructure improvements across Hemel Hempstead, Tring, and Berkhamsted. The plan aims to encourage active travel by addressing barriers such as safety concerns, inadequate infrastructure, and traffic congestion. Following public consultation, amendments were made to the plan, including additional crossing points, route extensions, and traffic calming measures. The adoption of the LCWIP will support bids for national funding and secure developer contributions for active travel schemes.

Approval of the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy Principles – Work Plan

The Cabinet approved the Sustainable Hertfordshire Work Plan, which outlines key focus areas to support the refreshed Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy. The strategy aims to embed sustainability across all council operations and partnerships, promoting resource efficiency, climate change resilience, nature recovery, healthier air quality, and responsible decision-making. The work plan details projects and timelines for achieving these ambitions, with a focus on collaboration and community engagement.

Hertfordshire County Council Performance Monitor Q3 2025-26

The Cabinet noted the Hertfordshire County Council Performance report for the third quarter of the financial year 2025-26. The report highlighted encouraging progress across the Council's five Corporate Plan priorities, with specific mention of improvements in SEND provision, infrastructure delivery, and community support. Management is continuing to address challenges in SEND services, working with residents and partners to drive improvements.

Future of Land at Highfield Farm, Tyttenhanger

The Cabinet agreed to declare the land at Highfield Farm, Tyttenhanger, as surplus to requirements and available for disposal. This vacant land, formerly part of the Highfield Farm estate, is no longer needed for council services. The Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources and Performance, will agree the terms of the disposal.

Future of the Former Bill Everett Centre, Watford

The Cabinet agreed to declare the Former Bill Everett Centre in Watford as surplus to requirements and available for disposal. This site has been held as a reserve school site but is no longer expected to be needed for educational use within the next 10 years. The Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources and Performance, will agree the terms of the disposal, including any final agreement with Watford Borough Council regarding their historic land interests.

Future of Secure Tenancies

The Cabinet delegated 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 the disposal of the Council's thirty-five secure tenancies. These properties are non-operational and not required for service delivery. The Council is not a housing authority, and an audit recommended closing the residential Staff Housing Pool. The disposal aims to transfer these tenancies to an organisation better positioned to manage them, ensuring tenants' rights are protected.

Approval of the Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) 2025-2029

The Cabinet reviewed and approved the implementation of the new Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) for 2025-2029. This plan sets out a vision for optimising the Council's property portfolio, which comprises around 2,000 assets valued at over £3 billion. The SAMP aims to support service delivery, financial resilience, economic growth, and environmental responsibility by aligning the estate with strategic objectives. Key objectives include enabling service delivery, ensuring financial sustainability, unlocking growth, driving climate and environmental responsibility, and creating excellent workplaces. The plan will be updated annually.