Dacorum Borough Council

Dacorum Borough Council is the local authority for the borough of Dacorum in Hertfordshire, England. Its administrative headquarters are located in Hemel Hempstead, the largest town in the district. The council provides a wide range of services to approximately 155,000 residents across its towns and villages, operating under a leader and cabinet model. It was established in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, succeeding previous authorities in the area.

History

The district was created on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, merging the borough of Hemel Hempstead, the urban districts of Berkhamsted and Tring, and the rural district of Hemel Hempstead Rural District. The name "Dacorum" is derived from the ancient hundred of Dacorum, which covered a similar area during the medieval period. Key historical developments overseen by the authority include the substantial post-war expansion of Hemel Hempstead as a New Town, managed initially by the Hemel Hempstead Development Corporation. Archaeological work in the borough, such as investigations at Berkhamsted Castle and the Ashridge estate, informs local heritage conservation efforts.

Governance and political control

The council operates a leader and cabinet executive model, with 51 councillors elected from 25 wards. Following the 2023 local elections, the Conservative Party holds a majority of seats, with the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats forming the main opposition. The council is a constituent member of the Hertfordshire County authority, which provides county-level services such as education and major roads. The current Mayor is Councillor David Collins and the Leader of the council is Councillor Andrew Williams.

Geography and demographics

The borough covers 212 square kilometres in western Hertfordshire, bordering Buckinghamshire to the west and the Chiltern Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Major settlements include the administrative centre of Hemel Hempstead, along with historic market towns like Berkhamsted and Tring, and villages such as Kings Langley and Markyate. The Grand Union Canal and the River Bulbourne traverse the area. According to the 2021 Census, the population was 155,081, with a demographic profile that is broadly in line with national averages for age and ethnicity.

Economy and regeneration

The local economy is diverse, with significant employment sectors including information technology, financial services, and retail, anchored by the Hemel Hempstead town centre and the Maylands Business Park. Major regeneration projects have included the Hemel Hempstead Old Town enhancement and the Apsley Mills redevelopment. The council works in partnership with the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and supports initiatives like the Chesham and Tring market town initiatives. Key employers in the area include BP, Brunel University, and various NHS trusts operating from Hemel Hempstead Hospital.

Services and responsibilities

The council is responsible for local planning, waste collection, housing management, leisure services, and environmental health. It operates facilities such as the Dacorum Sports Centre in Hemel Hempstead, The Old Town Hall, and Berkhamsted Civic Centre. Other duties include maintaining parks and open spaces like Gadebridge Park and Ashridge Forest, licensing, and collecting Council Tax. Strategic planning is conducted within the framework of the Dacorum Local Plan, which guides development across the borough.

Electoral wards and civil parishes

The borough is divided into 25 electoral wards, which elect the 51 councillors. These wards include Adeyfield East, Berkhamsted Castle, Tring Central, and Kings Langley. Parts of the borough are also covered by civil parishes, which have their own parish councils or parish meetings; these include Aldbury, Flamstead, Great Gaddesden, and Wigginton. The parish of Tring holds town council status, as does Berkhamsted. The ward boundaries were last reviewed by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England in 2022.