A business case for reshaped and reimagined local services has been given the green light for submission to the government by members of East Devon District Council.
East Devon has worked with Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge and West Devon district councils to develop Reimagining Devon: Believe in Better in response to the UK Government’s plan to simplify the structure of local services in England.
The submitted proposal would give Devon three unitary authorities:
- Torbay and Southern Devon – a unitary authority with South Hams, Teignbridge, Torbay and West Devon.
- Exeter and Northern Devon – a unitary authority with East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon and Torridge.
- Plymouth City Council remaining a standalone unitary authority.
The proposal, along with the other submissions for Devon, will be the subject of a government-led public consultation in early 2026.
Councillor John Loudoun, Deputy Leader, East Devon District Council, said: “Submitting Reimagining Devon: Believe in Better marks an important step in shaping the future of local government in our county. Now with formal backing from East Devon councillors, our proposal will create balanced and sustainable authorities that can thrive.
“We have worked hard, across political and geographic boundaries, to develop a financially sound model that reflects Devon’s unique identity and delivers accessible, high-quality services at the heart of our communities.
“My thanks go to the residents, businesses, community groups and partners who helped inform this work. A further consultation will take place in the new year, and I urge everyone to get involved to help ensure we build a local government structure that truly serves our communities for generations to come.”
The full proposal, Reimagining Devon: Believe in Better, will be submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government following approval by each of the respective councils this week.
A decision on which proposal will be taken forward is expected in summer 2026. Elections for the new authority would take place in May 2027 before it commences in 2028.
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