One of the important parts of my role as your Member of Parliament is to work with local stakeholders such as Hertfordshire County Council and Hertsmere Borough Council.

I recently convened a meeting with Hertfordshire County Council’s new Chief Executive, Angie Ridgwell, who took over the role at the end of last year.

In the meeting we spoke about a range of issues including devolution, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), highways issues and defending our countryside.

The government have announced that they want to bring in devolution to all of England, proposing a regional Mayor and local government reorganisation. I welcome the principle of devolution but am wary of what it will mean for our area.

Hertfordshire is made up of 1.2 million residents and operates a two-tier system of local government. Concerns have been raised that reorganisation to a unitary authority risks diminishing local representation. 

Evidence is being gathered and initial proposals are being made to the government to ensure that we get the best deal for local people. 

I also discussed SEND services. I know that many residents have experienced problems. The Council has committed to deliver extra support for SEND services. I will continue to track progress and make the case locally and nationally for improving services. 

I also raised the condition of our local roads, which are the responsibility of the County Council. I share people’s frustrations over potholes and flooding, including on Little Bushey Lane in Bushey and on Rectory Lane and Newlands Avenue in Radlett. I continue to work with local County Councillors Seamus Quilty, Caroline Clapper and Executive Member for Community Safety Morris Bright to push for improvements, which I know they are working very hard on. 

As ever, I advocated for our countryside, raising concerns about the Hertsmere local plan. More widely, I have made my views clear on the size and scope on a number of applications that would diminish green belt land in and around Bushey and Radlett, including the proposed development at Harts Farm and the land south of Shenley Hill. 

I look forward to working with her Angie and your excellent local County Councillors - Seamus Quilty and Caroline Clapper - to ensure that Hertfordshire residents get the best from the Council.