Have your say on plans for giant 'super council' to include North Devon and Torridge

People in North Devon and Torridge are being urged to have their say on proposals to merge the two district councils with three others to create one single big council.

It follows Government plans announced in December to simplify local government across England. Areas such as Devon, which currently has a county council and district councils in a two-tier system, are being asked to develop plans to move to a single-tier unitary authority.

The two local district councils have been working with councils across Devon to work up proposals and in March an interim plan was submitted on behalf of all Devon district councils, except Exeter.

The proposal, known as the ‘1-4-5 Plan’, includes:

Creating a new unitary authority combining East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, Torridge and Exeter.

It also proposes forming another unitary authority covering South Hams, Teignbridge, West Devon and Torbay, while keeping Plymouth as a stand-alone council.

A survey was launched on Monday (June 30) to get the view of North Devon and Torridge residents and it will run until August 11. The councils say the responses will help shape the final proposals, which must be submitted to the Government in November.

Councillor David Clayton, Leader of North Devon Council, said: “This is the biggest change to local government in North Devon for more than 50 years and we are determined to ensure our proposals take into account the needs and aspirations of our communities.

“We want to hear from as many of our residents, businesses and local groups as possible. Your answers and insights will play a vital role in this change and help us ensure North Devon and its communities are well represented and get the services they deserve for generations to come.”

Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, added: “Services provided by the council affect each and every one of us. If you want to have an input on what this will look like in the future, I would strongly urge you to make your voice heard and complete the questionnaire.

“These changes will affect many generations to come, so we are determined that our final proposals take into account as many, and as wide varying views as possible.”

The survey for North Devon residents can be completed on the Lets Talk North Devon website at https://letstalk.northdevon.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation-and-devolution

Paper copies are available from the Town Centre Hub in Barnstaple's Green Lanes Shopping Centre, the Ilfracombe Centre and the Amory Centre in South Molton. Paper or large print copies are also available by emailing consultation@northdevon.gov.uk

Torridge residents can complete the survey online via the Let’s Talk website at https://letstalk.northdevon.gov.uk/torridge-district-council-local-government-reorganisation-and-devolution

Paper copies for Torridge are available at Riverbank House in Bideford or email customer.services@torridge.gov.uk for a paper version or large print copy. Alternatively call 01237 428700, option 9.