Opinion: Watford Observer, 1 June 2025: An opportunity to 'champion Watford's local communities' | Watford Observer
It is possible we have now had our last ever elections in the current country/borough model.
The Government is forcing the whole country to follow the ‘unitary’ model, i.e. one principal level of government. So there is at least the chance the Government will postpone the local elections scheduled for next May, as they did this year for other counties in our region such as Essex.
We do not yet know what form the new system might take. There could be one unitary council for the whole of Hertfordshire but it is more likely the county will be split into two or three so we would perhaps be in a ‘West Herts’ council with some of our neighbours such as Three Rivers, St Albans, Dacorum (Berkhamsted/Hemel Hempstead), and Hertsmere.
Whilst this may be more efficient, this would be a large area and we need to think about the consequences for local representation and services.
Creating new parish and town councils would help. They are consulted on planning matters, something that would be vital for local residents in a unitary authority. They can have a variety of additional responsibilities, set down in law, such as some local amenities and facilities; local environment projects; open spaces, parks and playgrounds; entertainment and arts; a role in local anti-crime initiatives.
Watford Conservatives believe we should take this as an opportunity to champion Watford’s local communities. For example, Garston could have its own town council. Oxhey village could have its own parish council, maybe joining with the Oxhey Hall ward next door. Nascot village and the Cassiobury estate, possibly with parts of the Leggatts ward, could perhaps have its own ‘Nascot Park’ council. There could then of course be a new Watford Town Council for the central parts of the borough.
We would like to invite other local political parties and other local organisations to start working together on thinking about what new local parish and town councils would best serve the interests of our residents.
Stephen Woodard
Chairman, Watford Conservatives
