We've written to the Secretary of State for Transport to raise concerns over low fines for utility companies who carry out poor practice. The letter calls for the Department for Transport to go ahead with doubling these fines, and allow councils to hold utilities to account.

Our SEND Summit united people with a passion for improving the outcomes of children and young people to work together to design the next phase of improvements to SEND services in Hertfordshire: orlo.uk/rKkEK

🥳 An astounding 18,117 children took part in the Summer Reading Challenge across Hertfordshire Libraries this year, where each participant aimed to read six books during the school holidays.

Join the LIVE stream as our SEND Summit gets under way today from 10am. There will be a Q&A session with a panel of SEND professionals across the partnership. If you're joining the live stream, you can submit a question now.

👨‍🚒 Today, on 999 Day, we're celebrating all the people who make a difference across our service, from firefighters and control operators to community safety coordinators and support staff. Thank you!

⚠️ The Emergency Alerts system will be tested this Sunday at 3pm. It's used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. Be ready for anything, visit 👉 hertfordshire.gov.uk/br2025

🚨 Work is underway to reorganise local government in Hertfordshire. There are proposals on the table which will see the county council and all ten district and borough councils replaced by multiple unitary councils.

Our SEND Summit, taking place 15 September, will be live streamed with a BSL interpreter. The focus of the Summit has been shaped by a summer of engagement activity. You can find out more about the summit, and how to watch online, by visiting our website: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/SENDSummit

We want to hear people’s views and experiences of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Hertfordshire. Everyone that lives in, works in or visits Hertfordshire are invited to take part in the anonymous survey.

Good luck to all those who are back to school this week, especially those entering a new school! We are providing almost 300,000 children and young people with a place at a good school. From financial support to extra help, you can find out more at orlo.uk/350C4

🏳️‍🌈 The Pride flag has been raised at County Hall to celebrate inclusion and diversity, and in recognition of Herts Pride - Hertfordshire’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration. The flag will be flown alongside the Union flag until Monday 1 September to coincide with the event. @herts-pride.bsky.social

Hertfordshire could lose £50M a year under new Government funding plans. We're urging Ministers to rethink the Fair Funding Review 2.0, highlighting that it could slash vital budgets and hit services hard - especially for the most vulnerable people in our communities.

🕊️ We'll be marking the national two-minute silence on Friday 15 August to mark VJ Day, the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan and the end of the Second World War. County Hall in Hertford will be lit up in the evening from 9pm to mark the anniversary.

🚫 NO MEANS NO. If cold callers continue to pressure you once you’ve said no, hang up immediately! 🚩 Share this scam call with your followers to raise awareness of fraudsters and their tactics. ⚠️ Be aware, some may find this distressing. #scam #scamcall #scammeralert

💬 Cllr Ajanta Hilton our Exec Member for Public Health and Community Safety explains more on the recent convictions of three individuals in a £37million wine investment fraud. Thank you to our @HCC_TS team and all involved in bringing this case to justice.

Three people were convicted of fraudulent trading in a wine fraud, run by Imperial Wine & Spirits, following an investigation by our Trading Standards team. £6m was lost to 41 victims in the UK but over £37m passed through the company accounts during 10 years of trading.

🌈 We're proud sponsors of @herts-pride.bsky.social and we’ll be there with the Better Health Bus, Fostering & Adoption and our heroic Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service to support. 🎉 Celebrations will take place at Watford's Cassiobury Park on Saturday 30 August.

❤️ We've installed lifesaving equipment at fire stations across the county after teaming up with local charity Hearts for Herts.

🌿 We'd like to know what you think of Nature Recovery in Hertfordshire! Your feedback is crucial to help us protect and restore our natural environment. 📢 Take the Survey: orlo.uk/UqcmI 📅 Consultation closes 8 September

Over two months ago a new administration took over the running of the council with a plan to make a difference to the residents of Hertfordshire. Here's an update on progress so far. Find out more about our progress here 👉 orlo.uk/pjOCv

An amber weather warning is in place for thunderstorms. Check for road closures and delays before travelling. Don’t walk or drive through floodwater and if you do need to travel take care when you’re out on the road, and drive to the conditions. orlo.uk/XLeg6

🚬 Illegal vapes and illicit tobacco has recently been seized in an operation led by Hertfordshire Trading Standards. Find out the full story 👉 orlo.uk/MfJnC

Explore Fifty Thrifty – our list of 50 ‘no cost’ or ‘low cost’ adventures in Hertfordshire. There’s something magical for everyone. Use our Fifty Thrifty map to help you plan your summer ❤✨ Discover more here 👉 orlo.uk/JL6P9 #FiftyThrifty #Hertfordshire

🌿 Have Your Say on Nature Recovery in Hertfordshire! 🌿 We want your views on the new Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), developed by the Hertfordshire Nature Recovery Partnership. 📋 Take the Survey: orlo.uk/UqcmI

A roofer who grossly overcharged an 80-year-old widower, has been sentenced to 28 months imprisonment following an investigation by our Trading Standards service. 🔗 orlo.uk/uGbQv

A Hertford retailer was fined for selling a vape to a 16-year-old in a Trading Standards crackdown. Castle Food and Wine was fined £2,400 for the sale during a test purchase after public complaints. No ID was asked for. orlo.uk/9NvFR

All 11 Hertfordshire council Leaders have ruled out a single unitary model, citing concerns over local representation for 1.2m residents. They'll explore other reform options focused on service quality, accountability & value. Proposals due 28 Nov. orlo.uk/S9XXr

✅ The new administration confirmed they will not proceed with plans to reduce opening hours at four recycling centres in Hertfordshire nor will they go ahead with the introduction of a demand management booking system across the county. Hear more from Cllr Paul Zukowskyj.

🌳Your Tree Our Future is back!🌳 Over 60,000 free trees are up for grabs for Hertfordshire residents. 🌱 Help make Hertfordshire better today and fit for the future. 📅 Claim up to five free trees from 9 June at orlo.uk/tZQ4h

✨ NEW Boundary Way roundabout is now open in Hemel Hempstead. Hear more from Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Executive Member for Highways.

📺 Watch this video to find out more about the priorities of new council leader Cllr Steve Jarvis.

🎉Half-term is here! Explore Fifty Thrifty – a treasure trove of 50 ‘no cost’ or ‘low cost’ adventures in Hertfordshire. Our Fifty Thrifty map will help you plan your half-term to create unforgettable memories with your family! Discover more here orlo.uk/uriJw

Following the Annual Meeting of Hertfordshire County Council yesterday, Cllr Laurence Brass has been elected as Chairman. Read the full story here 👉 orlo.uk/GNrHE

Cllr Steve Jarvis has been elected as Leader of Hertfordshire County Council following a vote at the Annual General Meeting today. Read the full story 👉 www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-co...

💚 Mental health is crucial every day! For Mental Health Awareness Week, Hertfordshire Libraries has curated a special blog featuring a list of helpful books. Discover these gems and learn about supportive resources our libraries offer 👉 orlo.uk/acfSl

Don't miss ‘Inside My ADHD Mind’ on BBC iPlayer! 🎥 Featuring Jo from Hertfordshire County Council, the show explores ADHD experiences. Learn more about our neurodiversity support: orlo.uk/csu6W

🇬🇧 Today marks 80 years since VE Day when the Second World War came to an end in Europe. ❤️ We joined the nation in the two-minutes silence at our reflection event in Stevenage this afternoon. Find out about local VE Day events in your area at 👉 orlo.uk/10EXq

🚨 We're aware of the current issues accessing our live elections page. We're working to resolve the issue and it will be back up and running shortly.

Drink coffee? ☕ We’re excited to announce that 11 Hertfordshire recycling centres are now collecting used coffee pods. We’re working with Podback, the Pod Recycling Service. Find your nearest centre to recycle your pods and more info at: orlo.uk/MQJkF

🗳 More results are coming in from the Hertfordshire County Council election as the count continues. 👉 Visit our live elections page to see who has been elected in your area: orlo.uk/dpnVV

☑️ The results from the Hertfordshire County Council election are coming in. 🔗 Visit our live elections page to see who has been elected in your area: orlo.uk/Ejnje

Polling stations are still open until 10pm so don't forget to vote and bring photo ID 🗳 👉 Passport 👉 Driving licence 👉 Older persons bus pass 👉 PASS Card 👉 Blue Badge As results come in you can follow it live here orlo.uk/KBWVP #DogsAtPollingStations

Polling stations are open across Hertfordshire and close at 10pm. Remember to take photo ID. The majority of County Council election ballots will be counted tomorrow Friday 2 May. Visit our live elections page: orlo.uk/BgwmQ #DogsAtPollingStations

Our highways teams are helping Hertfordshire residents celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day by supporting 32 street party road closures free of charge across the county. See how else you can celebrate VE Day 👉 orlo.uk/eZnCC

💬 UpdateMe is our free service that sends you email updates on a variety of Hertfordshire County Council services. From libraries and consumer advice to highways, jobs and recycling, we'll keep you updated! 📧 Sign up today at orlo.uk/CwS6x

The St George's flag is flying outside County Hall and Stevenage today in celebration of St George's Day 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

It’s Earth Day 🌍 We’re celebrating our beautiful planet and recommitting to protecting it. We're working towards a cleaner, greener, and healthier county through #YourTreeOurFuture, better access to green spaces, and sustainable development. orlo.uk/LuOvL

Ahead of the Easter weekend, we want our residents to know that there may be some changes to our services' opening hours 🐣 For more information, visit: orlo.uk/50k3N

🐶 It's National Pet Day and we're sharing our K9 Capers: 9 pet-friendly activities, events and places to explore across Hertfordshire. From pet-friendly cafes and restaurants to dog-friendly shops and events. 😻 Discover more 👉 orlo.uk/1Mnuc

🔥 Wildfires are occurring in other parts of the country so it's important that we stay safe and think about how to reduce the risk of fires in hot and dry weather. Here's six ways you can help reduce the risk of wildfires. More tips 👉 orlo.uk/Jph58