New super-sized council covering most of Devon is ‘least worst option’

A super-sized new Devon council covering everywhere except Torbay and Plymouth is the ‘least worst’ option, Devon County Council has claimed.

The Government intends to replace the current ‘two tier’ council system with larger unitary authorities and has given local authorities until November 28 to come up with proposals on how this would work.

Devon County Council has today (Thursday, September 25) unveiled its preferred option – saying a single unitary authority to replace the existing eight district councils and the county council is ‘the most logical option’.

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The new council would work alongside the existing Plymouth and Torbay unitary authorities.

But this is at odds to proposals from the other councils, with North Devon Council now exploring the option of a ‘northern authority’ containing the existing North Devon and Torridge districts.

Meanwhile, Torridge District Council is sticking to its preference for an authority that includes Torridge, North Devon, Mid Devon, East Devon and Exeter.

But Exeter has said it would prefer to be a stand alone unitary authority.

Once the multiple proposals are formally submitted in two months’ time, it will be up to the secretary of state to decide which will be chosen and then it will go out to public consultation, with the new councils coming into existence in April 2028.

Devon County Council’s vision for a ‘New Devon’ unitray authority has now been put to the public via an online surbvey, which can be completd on the DCC website.

DCC leader, Councillor Julian Brazil has said their model is the ‘least worst’ option as the council faces real terms funding cuts from the government.

Councillor Paul Arnott, deputy leader and lead for local government reorganisation, says one giant council would avoid ‘disastrous’ disruption to services.

He said: “New Devon would provide stronger local accountability, smarter use of public money, consistent, high-quality public services and will create opportunities for our area’s economy bringing in new investment and jobs.

“It will allow us to join up local services, bringing together the strengths of district councils and the county council and will also allow for much closer working, and enhanced local decision-making, with key partners including the NHS, police and voluntary sector.

“It gives Devon a stronger voice – in government, in devolution negotiations, and in shaping the county’s future. It cherishes the ‘Devon Brand’ and the strong affinity felt by residents to our amazing natural environment.

“We want to engage and hear from our residents, communities and businesses on this ambitious plan as it develops and for everyone to have their say.”

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The council believes local level decisions could be shaped by neighbourhood area committees, made up of representatives from organisations including town and parish councils, police and local health services.

Cllr Brazil said: “The Government is intent on forcing through changes which will cost many millions of pounds to implement and provides a great deal of uncertainty for residents and staff who provide critical services.

“This option has emerged as the least worst and if we do not put it forward then we may inadvertently pave the way towards a disastrous disruption to existing key services such as adult social care and children’s services.

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“We’ve not reached this position in isolation. We have canvassed the views of many, from across all sectors, which we are continuing to do. This is a decision that affects us all and one that ultimately must benefit all those who live and work in Devon. That’s why we’ve taken this time to thoroughly evaluate all options, taking into account the views of others.”

To have your say, follow the New Devon link on the Devon County Council website home page.