Devon publishes its blueprint for local government reorganisation

Communities are at the heart of Devon County Council’s business case for the future of local government in the county, which has now been published.

t’s proposing that Devon County Council and the existing eight district councils are replaced with a single unitary authority, while retaining the existing authorities of Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council.

Councillors will have the opportunity to examine the plans at the Full Council meeting on Friday 14 November ahead of the document being presented to the County Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 18 November.

The proposal for a Devon unitary council serving around 840,000 residents has been chosen following extensive engagement with residents, partners and stakeholders, as well as a detailed options appraisal.

Financial modelling shows this is the most cost effective and financially sustainable option, with the lowest implementation costs of £33.6 million, and the shortest payback period of two years, while delivering the highest recurring annual benefit of £28.6 million.

To ensure communities have a stronger voice in shaping priorities, 16 Neighbourhood Area Committees would be created, aligned with health, care and local economic geographies. They would bring together councillors, parish representatives, the voluntary and community sector, businesses and public service partners with a devolved budget and dedicated support team to provide the foundation for local democracy and decision-making. Establishing the Neighbourhood Area Committees would not remove any assets or powers from local town and parish councils.

A Devon unitary council would provide continuity in critical services such as children’s safeguarding and adult social care, avoiding the disruption and risks that would be caused by breaking them up under separate unitary authorities.

Devon’s business case makes it clear that a single unitary council brings coherence, strength and opportunity by aligning and integrating services such as housing, planning, transport, and economic development.

It states that the unitary authority, “will simplify access to support but be large enough to achieve efficiency and resilience while maintaining a strong local voice and accountability through devolved area governance.”

A public survey, which ran from mid-July through to mid-October, attracted feedback from more than 7,400 people, and in response to the emergence of Devon’s proposal, 65% of residents were either supportive or very supportive of this option.

Economic forecasts indicates that better coordination of employment, skills and infrastructure through a Devon unitary council could raise productivity by around £80 million a year in additional output.

A Devon unitary council operating alongside the existing unitary authorities of Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council would also work together to establish a Mayoral Combined Authority for the area. The three unitary councils would have the opportunity to work effectively with the business community on local priorities with one voice, one purpose, and one investment plan.

Devon’s proposals, subject to approval, need to be submitted to government by Friday 28 November. Government will then look at all of the proposals it’s received from authorities in Devon and decide which proposal(s) will go to statutory stakeholders for consultation during the first half of 2026. It’s expected to make a final decision next summer.

Once Government has backed proposals, shadow elections would be held in May 2027 before the new authority takes on its new powers and responsibilities on 1 April 2028.