The Hertfordshire County Council held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 19 May 2026. Councillor Sandy Walkington was elected as the new Chairman of the Council, and Councillor Stephen Watson was elected as Vice-Chairman.

Budget and Council Tax

The Council considered the Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy for 2026/27 to 2029/30. This included proposals for a Revenue Budget of £1,207.5 million and a Council Tax Requirement of £877.3 million. The Band D Council Tax was proposed at £1,545.69, with an additional £312.50 for the Social Care precept. The capital programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30 was proposed at £1,309.1 million. An amendment proposed by Councillor M Hurst, which sought to reinstate funding for youth engagement and increase locality budgets, was debated.

Political Proportionality and Committee Appointments

The Council reviewed the allocation of seats on its ordinary committees and sub-committees to ensure political proportionality, following a recent by-election. The proposed seat allocations were debated. Appointments were subsequently made to various committees, including Audit, Development Control, Employment, Health & Wellbeing Board, Health Scrutiny, Overview and Scrutiny, Impact of Scrutiny Advisory, Pensions, and Standards. The Council also considered appointments to joint committees and to the Local Government Association and County Council's Network.

St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School Closure Decision Referred Back

A debate took place regarding the statutory proposal to close St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School in Elstree. Following a call-in by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC), the Council considered the decision. An amendment, moved by Councillor Richard Roberts on behalf of the Conservative Group and seconded by Councillor Ralph Muncer, was debated. This amendment called for Cabinet to reconsider the decision in light of evolving demographic evidence, the emerging local plan with significant housing growth, and the need for a coherent county-wide strategy for educational provision. The motion, as amended, was then debated.

Policing Reforms and Local Policing Concerns

A motion expressing concern over proposed national policing reforms, which would replace county-based forces with larger regional ones, was debated. The motion, moved by Councillor Ralph Muncer and seconded by Councillor Matt Cowley, called for the government to reconsider these proposals. The motion was debated.

Other Business

The Council received the annual report of the Audit Committee, reviewed proposed revisions to the Council's Constitution, and noted the programme of meetings for September 2026 to July 2027. Questions were raised to Executive Members on various topics, including the future of the Music Library Service, transparency in spending decisions, legal team capacity, neighbourhood health services, air quality initiatives, the rollout of 20mph speed limits, pothole repairs, and the closure of St Nicholas CofE VA Primary School. The Council also received an executive report from the Leader of the Council, Steve Jarvis, summarising recent activities and future plans.