Businesses invited to have their say on proposals for a Devon ‘super council’

Local businesses in North Devon and Torridge are being invited to have their say on the future of local government in the county at an event on Thursday, August 7 at Caddsdown Business Centre in Bideford.

The event runs from 3pm to 5pm and will give businesses the chance to hear about the councils' proposals for reform to local councils which could result in a ‘super council’ combining the two districts with east and mid Devon and Exeter.

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Councillors and officers from Torridge District Council and North Devon Council will also be on hand to listen to businesses to hear what they value most about their local area, what services are most important to them and what they would like to see more of in their communities.

In December 2024 the Government announced plans to simplify the structure of councils across England, by abolishing two-tier authorities – county councils and district councils – and replacing them with single unitary authorities.

Final proposals for this need to be submitted to the Government by November 28 this year. Before then, the councils would like to hear from as many businesses, residents and groups as possible to find out about what matters to them.

For those business representatives unable to attend the event, an online survey is running until August 11. Responses will help shape the final proposal and ensure it reflects the needs of the communities of northern Devon.

Councillor Ken James, leader of Torridge District Council, said: “These changes will affect each and every one of us, so it’s vital that our final proposals take into account as many, and as wide varying views as possible. 

“Your insights will play a key role in making sure that the business community is fairly represented and gets the service it deserves for generations to come.”

Councillor David Clayton, leader of North Devon Council, added: “This is the biggest change to local government in the area for more than 50 years and it will affect all the services your district and county councils currently provide.

“We are therefore determined that our final proposals will not only meet the needs of our communities, but will stand the test of time.

“It is vital that our local businesses play a part and help us shape these proposals. If you are unable to see us on the day, please do take part in the online survey and make your voice heard.”

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To register your interest or for further information about the event, please email customer.services@torridge.gov.uk.

North Devon businesses or residents can complete the survey by visiting the Lets Talk North Devon website.

Paper copies are available for completion from the Town Centre Hub in Barnstaple's Green Lanes Shopping Centre, the Ilfracombe Centre and the Amory Centre at South Molton.

Paper copies or large print copies of the survey are also available on request by emailing the council's Corporate and Community Services team at consultation@northdevon.gov.uk