North Devon and Torridge react to Government plan for Devon councils
‘We respect the decision’ – the region’s district councils have responded after the Government spurned their choices for the restructure of Devon
North Devon and Torridge district councils have issued statements following today’s long-awaited Government announcement on the shake-up of Devon’s councils.
From 2028 the county will be divided into four unitary authorities which will run all services in their areas, with a heavy favouring of Exeter, Plymouth and Torbay, who get their own councils, while the rest will be lumped into a ‘coast and countryside’ council.
The decision includes an expanded Plymouth City Council, which will take areas of South Hams; an expanded Torbay Council to include areas of Teignbridge and South Hams and an expanded Exeter City Council, which will take in areas of East Devon, Mid Devon and Teignbridge.
The new Devon Coast and Countryside authority will comprise North Devon, Torridge and West Devon district councils and remaining areas of East Devon, Mid Devon, Teignbridge and South Hams.
Here, North Devon and Torridge district councils had opted for the so-called ‘1-4-5 plan’ which would have seen the creation of a ‘super council’ combining East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, Torridge and Exeter.
Both council leaders, David Clayton for North Devon and Ken James for Torridge, have issued similar statements this afternoon.
Cllr Clayton said: “We recognise that unitary authorities have the potential to deliver more efficient and effective services for Devon and eliminate confusion for residents.
“While the government has chosen a different option to the one we supported, we respect the decision and are beginning work on the next phase of this process.
“Our priority is ensuring North Devon, its residents, businesses and communities are well represented and will continue to receive the high-quality services they deserve for generations to come.”
Cllr James said: “This decision marks an important step in shaping how services will be delivered for communities across Devon from 2028.
“A number of proposals were developed and carefully considered as part of this process, reflecting the scale and importance of these changes for our communities.
Over the coming months we will be working closely with our neighbouring councils across Devon to help shape the new arrangements and ensure the best possible outcomes for our residents.
“For now, Torridge District Council will continue to deliver services as normal while we work towards a smooth and well-managed transition to the new structure on April 1, 2028.”
Both councils said they would continue to provide updates as the situation developed and more information was available.
Elections to the new council are expected to take place in May next year, before it takes up the reins in April 2028.