Torbay Council to submit plan for major shake-up of Devon local government

Torbay Council has agreed to submit a proposal to the Government for Local Government Reorganisation in Devon, based on a four-unitary council model.

The plan, approved at an extraordinary council meeting on 20 November, would see Torbay retain its current boundaries as a distinct unitary authority serving its coastal community.

Under the proposal, Plymouth City Council’s boundaries would expand to cover its Growth Area, a new Exeter Council would be created to reflect the city’s economic and regional influence, and a new Rural Devon Coast and Countryside Authority would form the fourth unitary.

The aim is to ensure all four councils can respond effectively to the needs of urban, rural, and coastal residents.

The process follows the publication of the English Devolution White Paper in December 2024, in which the Government outlined plans to simplify local government by replacing the current two-tier system of district and county councils with fewer single-tier unitary authorities.

These new councils would take responsibility for delivering all local services in their areas.

Torbay Council carried out public consultation over the summer.

The results showed 64 per cent of participants preferred the council’s existing boundaries. This feedback has shaped the proposal, which will now be submitted to the Government by 28 November.

Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, said: “I want to extend my sincere thanks to our officers for their professionalism and dedication throughout this complex process, and to colleagues from across all parties for the constructive way they have engaged. Local Government Reorganisation has required collaboration, commitment, and a shared focus on what is best for our community.

“Over the past year I have worked closely with all Leaders across the County, and those conversations have helped build genuine relationships based on respect and a shared responsibility to deliver for our residents. These connections can only be a positive step forward. Although we have sometimes agreed to differ, there is a clear commitment from every authority to make whichever option the Government chooses work in the best interests of our communities.

“I am proud of the collective effort that ensures the voice of Torbay residents is at the heart of our proposal. I am also pleased that this proposal has now been supported by the Council and will be the one submitted to Government next week. After a year of dedicated effort and collaboration, we are proud to have reached this milestone — and we now await the Government’s response in spring 2026.”