Exeter and Plymouth submit joint plan to reshape local government across Devon

Exeter City Council has joined with Plymouth City Council to submit a joint proposal to the Government setting out a major reshaping of local government across Devon. 

The plan, which both councils approved at recent Full Council meetings, outlines the creation of four new unitary authorities to replace the current two-tier system.

The proposal is being presented as a single submission to simplify the Government’s consultation process and make it easier for residents to understand what is being recommended. 

It responds directly to the Government’s White Paper on local government reform, which called for clearer, more efficient governance structures.

Under the plans, Exeter would see its boundaries expand significantly, taking in 49 parishes from East Devon, Teignbridge and Mid Devon. 

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This would create a new Exeter-based unitary authority serving around 260,000 residents, which the council says would better reflect the city’s true economic footprint and allow services to be run more efficiently.

Plymouth would also expand, incorporating 13 South Hams parishes that already have strong links to the city. 

Torbay would grow by a further 21 parishes from Teignbridge and South Hams, giving it a population of around 220,000. 

The remaining rural and coastal areas would form a fourth unitary council named Devon Coast and Countryside.

According to both councils, the model is designed to streamline services, cut duplication and strengthen financial resilience across the county. 

They argue that the proposed four-unitary system has the scale to deliver high-quality services while bringing decision-making closer to local communities.

The submission follows months of work, consultation and cross-party debate. The four-unitary structure received support from councillors across political groups in Exeter.

Cllr Phil Bialyk, Leader of Exeter City Council, said the proposal represents “a once-in-a-generation chance to deliver real change throughout Devon,” adding that a united submission with Plymouth reflected the councils’ shared priorities for improving services and supporting future growth.

Exeter City Council Chief Executive Bindu Arjoon said the process had been informed by extensive feedback from residents and stakeholders. “We believe that four councils working together can deliver better public services, unlock investment, and give every part of Devon a stronger voice,” she said, highlighting the potential for improved outcomes and stronger collaboration with parish and town councils.

Leaders from Plymouth echoed the importance of presenting a single, clear proposal. 

Tracey Lee, Plymouth City Council’s Chief Executive, described the submission as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to simplify local government, strengthen financial resilience and design services around real communities rather than outdated boundaries.”

The Government is expected to review the submission as part of its consultation on the future structure of local government in Devon. 

The full proposal is available on the Exeter City Council and Plymouth City Council websites.