Hertfordshire is progressing with real clarity and unity as we take the next steps on our devolution journey. Across local government, business, public services and our MPs, there is a shared recognition that a Mayoral Strategic Authority will strengthen leadership, unlock growth and provide the long‑term tools needed to deliver for our residents.
We are putting forward one of the strongest and delivery-ready propositions for our county. Our pragmatic two‑stage pathway, moving to a Strategic Authority in 2027 and a Mayoral Strategic Authority in 2028, gives Government a fast and dependable route to accelerate the delivery of homes, transport, skills and critical infrastructure. It is a model designed for clarity, accountability and impact.
The launch of our new Economic Strategy, alongside the development of Hertfordshire’s Local Growth Plan, sets a clear direction for the decade ahead whilst demonstrating our collective commitment to make life tangibly better for residents. Together, these plans will help ensure that growth is not only ambitious and sustainable but also focused on the communities that stand to benefit the most.
Hertfordshire is united, mature and ready to partner with Government to unlock the full potential of our county – and to secure a thriving future for the people we serve.
Mayor Peter Taylor
Chair of Hertfordshire Growth Board and Leader of Watford Borough Council
World Class Economy
Hertfordshire is entering a pivotal moment. With a £50bn economy, world‑leading innovation assets and a strong track record of delivery, we are ready to accelerate growth for the benefit of local communities and UK plc. Our new Economic Strategy 2026–2036 sets out how we will achieve this – placing innovation, inclusion and sustainability at the heart of a thriving, future‑ready economy.
Hosted by Andrew Lewin, MP for Welwyn Hatfield, on behalf of Hertfordshire Growth Board, Hertfordshire leaders came together at Westminster on 12 March for the launch and set out a shared ambition for future growth. The reception brought together 100 senior representatives from Government, business, local authorities, education, faith and voluntary organisations to deliver one clear message: Hertfordshire is united behind a long-term plan to drive growth, widen opportunity for all and strengthen the county’s contribution to the national economy.
Digital Access for All
The Digital Mission is continuing to progress under its refreshed identity, Digital Hertfordshire, replacing the previous ‘Towards Digital Growth’ branding to create a clearer and more accessible identity.
Most recently, Digital Hertfordshire has supported the rollout of next-generation broadband to 30 schools in some of the county’s most hard‑to‑reach areas through the Government’s Project Gigabit scheme.
Transport for Hertfordshire
To focus on supporting the development of the Local Transport Plan, the Mission has shifted its focus as a statutory requirement that will shape Hertfordshire’s transport future. Recent discussions have covered the impacts of housing growth, the long‑term transport vision, and short‑to-medium‑term objectives. Looking further into 2026, the Mission will be used as a forum to help develop the policies and key transport projects that will be required to deliver the vision.
In support of this work, membership has expanded to include national bodies such as National Highways, Network Rail and Logistics UK, as well as local train operators and wider local authority representation. A further expansion is planned for 2026 to ensure the plan reflects the needs of Hertfordshire’s communities and economy.
Sustainable County
We continue to make strong progress in supporting countywide decarbonisation and climate resilience. Following the launch of the Hertfordshire Retrofit Strategy, over £15m of Warm Homes funding has been secured to support residents, and the programme is now exploring options for a countywide Retrofit OneStop Shop to help streamline access to advice, funding and delivery.
The Solar Together Hertfordshire Scheme has delivered more than 2,167 installations, generating over 40,856 tonnes of lifetime CO₂e reduction, and work is now underway to strengthen the county’s evidence base, including a baseline energy profile and the Green Assets Study to support future strategic energy planning.
Healthy & Safe Places for All
We are now focused on embedding the Healthy & Safe Places Framework into practice across partners, ensuring it becomes a practical tool for shaping healthier environments. Work is underway to complete the interactive datasets on the hub site, with future additions dependent on data‑sharing agreements and clear resourcing arrangements.
Looking ahead, we are aligning the programme with major countywide strategies now in development – including the Spatial Development Strategy, Local Transport Plan, and Economic Strategy – to ensure health, wellbeing and safety are fully integrated into future planning and investment decisions. This includes early scoping of how a future Phase 2 of the Mission may evolve to reflect emerging devolution and governance structures.
Right Homes, Right Places
In alignment with our four strategic goals, we are working towards a delivery plan for 2026/2027. This will ensure Hertfordshire unlocks the investment it needs to deliver the right homes needed for its residents, whilst ensuring all new homes meet quality and sustainability standards.
Following Homes England’s announcement of the Social and Affordable Homes Programme, Hertfordshire remains fully committed to securing access to the funding once a Mayor or Foundational Strategic Authority is established. In the meantime, our districts and boroughs are proactively exploring opportunities for direct engagement with Homes England to ensure continued progress.
Work is also underway to strengthen the Quality Development Charter, with a shared ambition for at least 30% of future homes to achieve its standards. Embedding the Charter’s aspirations – alongside those set out in the Healthy and Safe Places Framework – is expected to be best delivered through the emerging Spatial Development Strategy (SDS).
HIDB Member’s Digest
At March’s meeting industry leaders from across the public and private sectors gathered for a morning of discussion and collaboration focused on the evolving National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and what the proposed changes could mean for the development sector.
Visit the website to read more and access the event video and gallery.
Established in 2021, the HIDB brings together both the public and private sector from across Hertfordshire, giving over 80 members a seat at the table to understand and influence the future of the county.
To find out more about benefits and membership visit: www.hidb.co.uk/membership/
Future Events & Webinars
2nd June | HGB Meeting
16th September | HIDB meeting
19th November | UK Screen Investment Summit
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