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Councils in Hertfordshire moving towards finalising joint-working commitment

Published: 18 December 2019Closeup of male businessman holding Memorandum of Understanding.Memorandum of Understanding: collective commitment to managing growth

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Nine of the 11 local authorities in Hertfordshire have so far approved an agreement made to ensure that growth is delivered for residents in the best possible way.

Hertfordshire County Council’s Cabinet gave the go-ahead on Monday to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the purpose of which is to show residents and businesses this commitment as well as the way we will work together to manage growth in Hertfordshire. The Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has also approved the MoU.

The councils and Hertfordshire LEP have been working together as part of the Hertfordshire Growth Board since its formation in 2018. The main aim of the Growth Board is to respond to key challenges facing the county over the coming years. It provides leadership and governance, while also being the single point-of-contact for central government over funding opportunities in the future.

Councillor David Williams, Chairman of Hertfordshire Growth Board and Leader of the County Council, said:

“It’s been great to see the county’s district and borough councils commit to the Memorandum of Understanding, as we now have, and with others to follow.

“The Growth Board is the way we are working together on planning, economic growth and making sure we put in place the infrastructure our communities need and deserve. Collaboration is now the default in Hertfordshire, and the Memorandum of Understanding sends a very clear message to central government about Hertfordshire’s ambitions.”

The Hertfordshire population is expected to rise by up to 175,000 by 2031, with at least 100,000 new homes and 100,000 new jobs to be created over the same period, while there is also a clear commitment to provide the right infrastructure, affordable housing and jobs for local people.

“Collaboration is now the default in Hertfordshire, and the Memorandum of Understanding sends a very clear message to central government about Hertfordshire’s ambitions.”
Councillor David Williams, Chair, Hertfordshire Growth Board and Leader, Hertfordshire County Council