Ellie Ames 07 January 2025

Devon districts rally against unitarisation

Devon districts rally against unitarisation image
Image: Panoptic Motion / Shutterstock.com

Devon’s eight district councils have joined forces to oppose the creation of a unitary authority for the county.

While a Devon and Torbay combined county authority was due to be created this year, Devon County Council may now push for a unitary council for the region, following the publication of the Government’s devolution white paper.

County councillors meet on Thursday (9 January) to consider a report on reorganisation and devolution from the chief executive, which is yet to be published.

By Friday, upper-tier councils must inform the Government if they wish to delay local elections due for May in order to speed up devolution plans.

Devon’s district leaders have warned against making ‘rushed’ decisions and argued that a single unitary council ‘risks diminishing local representation’.

They said they did not support postponing May’s county council elections, adding that priority devolution would not be suitable because it is designed for areas with ‘clear and agreed plans’.

The leaders added: ‘Any reform of local government in Devon should follow a period of proper consultation with residents, businesses, elected representatives, and stakeholders.

‘Looking at the evidence, we should decide collectively what is best for our area.’

The statement was made by:

Cllr David Clayton, North Devon Council

Cllr Paul Arnott, East Devon District Council

Cllr Phil Bialyk, Exeter City Council

Cllr Luke Taylor, Mid Devon District Council

Cllr Julian Brazil, South Hams District Council

Cllr Richard Keeling, Teignbridge District Council

Cllr Ken James, Torridge District Council

Cllr Mandy Ewings, West Devon Borough Council

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Repairs Co-Ordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Be the heart of our community - help us keep homes safe, warm and well-maintained.At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), we believe th England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Museums Operations Manager

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP26 - 31 (£36,124 - £40,476) per annum
Sandwell Museums is looking for an experienced and motivated Operations Manager Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Regulation and Compliance Assistant - WMF2056e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586 pro rata
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join the Licensing Team within Westmorland and Furness Council Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Community Finance Officer - WMF2059e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£33,366 - £34,314
You will be working in a busy operational finance service Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Apprentice Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£7.55 per hour
Apprentice Teaching Assistants Temporary – 15 month Apprenticeship Contact Full Time – term time only plus 2 weeks £7.55 per hour Start Date
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner