The Hertfordshire County Council meeting saw the election of Councillor Sandy Walkington as the new Chairman and Councillor Stephen Graham Watson as Vice-Chairman. Key discussions included the allocation of seats on council committees to ensure political proportionality, the appointment of chairs and vice-Achairs for various committees, and a motion opposing proposed national policing reforms that would replace county forces with regional ones. The council also debated and ultimately approved a revised budget and medium-term financial strategy for 2026/27 to 2029/30, alongside a motion to support the continuation of Hertfordshire's own police force.

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

Councillor Sandy Walkington was elected as the new Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council, and Councillor Stephen Graham Watson was elected as Vice-Chairman. Both received unanimous support, with the Conservative Group abstaining from the Vice-Chairman vote.

Political Proportionality and Committee Appointments

The council discussed and approved the allocation of seats on its ordinary committees, scrutiny committees, and cabinet panels to ensure political proportionality in line with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. This process involved detailed calculations to reflect the current political make-up of the council. Following this, members were appointed to various committees, including the Audit Committee, Development Control Committee, and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The appointments of chairs and vice-chairs for these committees were also confirmed.

Policing Reforms Motion

A significant debate took place regarding a motion opposing proposed national policing reforms that would replace county police forces with regional ones. Councillor Ralph Munster, moving the motion, argued that such changes would lead to a distant regional police force, reduce accountability, and fail to trust local people to set policing priorities. He cited the importance of local policing by consent and expressed concerns that millions of pounds would be spent on reorganisation rather than frontline policing.

The motion was supported by the Conservative, Reform, and Green groups, with speakers highlighting the value of local neighbourhood policing teams and the potential loss of community connection. Councillor Michael Blissett, a former police officer, voiced serious concerns about the impact on neighbourhood policing, citing the success of Hatfield's local team. Councillor Matt Fisher for the Green Group, while sharing concerns about weakening local accountability, advocated for a nuanced approach that balances strong local policing with effective cooperation.

However, the Labour Group, led by Councillor Nigel Bell, opposed the motion, arguing that the current policing structure was outdated and that a reduction to 12 regional forces would drive cost efficiency and better combat serious organised crime. They highlighted that neighbourhood policing would remain a focus and that police and crime commissioners would be replaced by directly elected mayors.

After extensive debate, the motion opposing the policing reforms was carried.

Budget and Financial Matters

The council approved the Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy for 2026/27 to 2029/30. This included agreeing a revenue budget of £1,207.5 million and a Council Tax requirement of £877.3 million. A Band D Council Tax of £1,545.69, plus a £312.50 social care precept, was also agreed for 2026/27. An amendment proposed by Councillor M Hurst, seeking to reinstate funding for youth engagement, locality budgets, and support for carers, was defeated. The council also approved the capital programme totalling £1,309.1 million for 2026/27 to 2029/30 and agreed to various treasury management strategies and prudential indicators.

School Closures and Educational Provision

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the called-in decision regarding the proposed closure of St. Nicholas C of E Primary School in Elstree. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee had referred the decision to full council due to concerns about the decision-making process, consultation, alternative provision, and the impact of future housing growth.

Councillor Fiona Thomson presented the report, outlining the committee's findings and the split decision among its members. An amendment, moved by Councillor Mark Watkin on behalf of the Liberal Democrats and supported by the Conservative Group, was agreed. This amendment called for Cabinet to reconsider the decision in light of evolving demographic trends, the latest planning and housing data, and the need for a coherent county-wide strategy for educational provision. The amended motion, urging Cabinet to reconsider the closure, was subsequently carried.

Other Key Decisions

• Health Scrutiny Report: The report from the Health Scrutiny Committee was received, detailing its work on topics including GP access, patient data privacy, and the transition to the new Central East Integrated Care Board.
• Audit Committee Annual Report: The annual report of the Audit Committee for 2025/26 was received, highlighting its oversight of financial statements, internal audit, risk management, and corporate governance.
• Constitutional Revisions: Proposed revisions to Annexes 6, 12, and 28 of the Council's Constitution, relating to standing orders for council meetings, regulatory committees, and the substitution scheme, were approved following an electronic vote.
• Executive Reports: Reports were received from the Executive Members for Environment, Transport and Growth; Public Health and Community Safety; Resources and Performance; and Education, SEND and Inclusion, detailing recent activities and future plans.

The meeting concluded with the Chairman thanking members for their contributions and tolerance throughout the day.