Parts of Hertfordshire County Council’s headquarters site could be sold off, leased or redeveloped as part of a review of working practices, it has emerged.

Under normal circumstances, County Hall in Hertford is used by more than 2,000 council staff every day, but during the pandemic almost all of those staff have been working from home.

And there is thought to be significant support among staff for home-working to continue for two or three days a week – even after the pandemic.

Ultimately, that could mean some council-owned buildings could be sold off, redeveloped or leased, resulting in lower running costs and council tax bills.

The county council has already reduced office capacity at its office in Apsley, cutting the council’s annual budget by £1.2 million.

And if increasing numbers of staff were to work remotely, the number of buildings could be reduced further.

Executive member for resources Cllr Ralph Sangster says the "history" and "iconic situation" of County Hall would have to be recognised in any future plans.

He added he does not think the council would "walk away" from County Hall.

However he draws a distinction between the 1939-built original building – which includes the entrance, council chamber and ‘ballroom’ – and the more recent extensions and grounds, which he says could be used "for other things".

Bosses at the county council say they have been looking at working practices and the future use of buildings, but say the process has been speeded up as a result of the experiences of lockdown and home-working.

The idea of changes at County Hall is likely to be discussed further at a full council on February 23.