Plymouth City Council, Torbay Council and Exeter City Council have published proposals for Devon to be divided into four unitary authorities as part of the Government’s overhaul of local government.
The reorganisation proposal includes maintaining the existing unitary authorities in Plymouth and Torbay, a new unitary authority for Exeter, and a unitary authority for the rest of the county.
Cllr Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said the current two-tier system of local government has ‘failed Devonians.’
‘This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape how local government works - not just for Plymouth, but for every corner of Devon. Our proposal puts people first, with a model that reflects how communities live, connect, and thrive across the region,’ she said.
Phil Bialyk, leader of Exeter City Council, added: 'Devon’s urban areas are the engines of growth for the whole of the county, and this model recognises the unique characteristics of Devon’s urban and rural landscape and communities.’
David Thomas, leader of Torbay Council, commented: ‘Torbay’s strong local identity and our integrated health and care model are key reasons why retaining our existing boundaries makes sense for our residents.’
Devon’s district councils last month published a new reorganisation blueprint that would see two new unitary authorities created, while Devon County Council announced proposals in September to create a single unitary authority covering the whole county.
Want to learn more about local government reorganisation? Check out: Local Government Reorganisation: What It Means and Why It Matters.
