Today’s announcement marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Hertfordshire.

The Government has confirmed that Dacorum and St Albans will come together as part of a new North West Hertfordshire unitary authority.

While the focus will be on new council structures, what excites me most is the opportunity this creates for our communities and the organisations that support them.

This is a chance to think differently about how we tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our communities. From improving health and wellbeing and reducing social isolation to creating opportunities for young people, supporting vulnerable residents and building stronger, more resilient neighbourhoods, the opportunity ahead is significant.

The reality is that no single organisation can achieve these ambitions alone.

Success will depend on how effectively local government, health partners, businesses, community organisations and residents work together around a shared vision for West Hertfordshire.

The good news is that we already have strong foundations to build on.

Across Dacorum and St Albans, there is an incredible network of charities, community groups, social enterprises and volunteers who make a difference every day. They understand local needs, build trusted relationships and deliver practical support where it is needed most.

As the new authority begins to take shape, I believe the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector can make an important contribution by helping to bring community insight into decision-making, strengthening preventative approaches, supporting community-led solutions and ensuring that local voices help shape priorities from the outset.

At Community Action Dacorum, we are genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead.

We look forward to working with partners across West Hertfordshire to strengthen collaboration, support innovation and help create a more connected ecosystem of support for residents and communities.

Our priority remains exactly as it has always been: supporting communities to thrive.

The years ahead offer an opportunity not simply to create a new authority, but to build stronger partnerships, unlock the potential of our communities and create lasting positive change for future generations.

If we work together and build on the strengths that already exist across our communities, I believe West Hertfordshire can become a powerful example of what can be achieved when public services and communities work hand in hand.

Because ultimately, the success of this next chapter will not be measured by new boundaries or structures. It will be measured by stronger communities, greater opportunity and better outcomes for the people we serve.