St Albans City and District Council

15/10/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of Home-Start Hertfordshire. Our services will wind down between now and the end of November 2026.

For the last 6 years, we have fought hard against an increasingly difficult economic climate, doing everything we could to keep our doors open and our services running. Despite that fight, we have made the difficult decision that it is now best to close our operations.

This was not a decision we came to lightly, and it does not reflect the passion, dedication or impact of everyone who has been part of this journey.

Together, we have supported over 4,000 families during this time, and that would not have been possible without the incredible staff who gave their all, the families who trusted us, and the supporters, donors and volunteers who stood beside us at every step.

To every single one of you: thank you. You made a real difference, and that legacy doesn't close with our doors.

With gratitude and heavy hearts, the Home-Start Hertfordshire team.

More details available here: https://home-startherts.org.uk/

15/10/2026

Most fires in Hertfordshire homes last year were due to cooking accidents.

Be HomeFire Aware – do your home fire safety self-checker today. You might be asked to have a Home Fire Safety visit.

To find out more about home fire safety, go to https://orlo.uk/DrQD0

15/10/2026

15/10/2026

Are you a community group or voluntary organisation making information easier for people to find and understand?
Whether you're helping people navigate services, access support or get the information they need, you could apply for a Community Grant under our Accessible Communications priority.
See https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/grants for details

14/10/2026

We have triumphed in two categories at the St Albans Civic Society's Building and Design Awards 2026.
Our £64 million Jubilee Square won the award for best Commercial/Residential Mixed Use development.
And the 12 sustainable social-rent homes we built at The Hedges, in Woollam Crescent, were judged Best Social Housing development.
The awards were for projects completed over the past two years with a presentation held at the Abbey Theatre.
The judges described Jubilee Square as "a significant investment in the future of St Albans . . . bringing a range of activities together and establishing the framework for a lively, connected neighbourhood, and enriching City Centre life."
The judges said The Hedges "demonstrates that social housing can make a positive architectural contribution to its neighbourhood while creating welcoming homes for the people who live there".
For the full list of award winners: https://www.stalbanscivicsociety.com/events/awards-2026/

13/10/2026

Do you help people to complete online forms, access services online, use a smartphone or get to grips with a laptop?
If so, you're already helping to build digital confidence and funding is available for community groups to support this work.
The St Albans Community Project Fund is now open for applications.
Find out more and apply here: https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/grants

13/10/2026

We have just issued the October edition of our Community News publication.
It has items about a reduction in air pollution, the Christmas Cracker, a fresh juice Charter Market trader and much more.
You can view it here: https://lnks.gd/3/3bV2R3B
And sign up to have future editions emailed to you here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKSTALBDC/subscriber/new?fbclid=IwY2xjawUQqHZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTFFUDhSQlgxVlI1U0U5NWlzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEervMkyDNrctJ3JDEqqw_GAd50Xnk7sYOTlKGifuKLzJA919B1oRw6I5I3m1c_aem_7QlC_Hv-WfciQplUVX6b-A

12/10/2026

We have renewed a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering St Albans City Centre following a consultation.

It will continue for three years from this month and there will be no changes to the existing Order.

The PSPO is designed to protect residents, businesses, and visitors from anti-social behaviour and crime linked to street drinking.

It gives Police the power to demand alcohol is surrendered where behaviour may cause nuisance, harassment and distress to others.

The PSPO does not make it illegal to consume alcohol within the designated area.

12/10/2026

St Albans City Centre BID has secured a third five-year term.
In a ballot of businesses within its designated area, 80% of votes cast were in favour of BID continuing with its work. There was a turnout of 35%.
The vote was also in favour when measured by rateable values.
You can see the full results here:
https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/sites/default/files/attachments/Declaration%20of%20BID%20ballot%20result%202026.pdf.
St Albans City Centre BID is a business-led and funded partnership aimed at supporting businesses and enhancing the City Centre.
More information: https://www.stalbansbid.com/

07/10/2026

Have your say: Cost of Living and Food Support Survey
We want to understand how rising living costs are affecting people who use food support services like food banks, food pantries and community supermarkets in Hertfordshire.
Your feedback will shape how local services are delivered in the future.
The survey is
✅ Anonymous
✅ Quick and easy to complete
Every response makes a difference.
https://orlo.uk/abdfD