In a significant decision that will shape Devon's political landscape for years to come, the government has rejected ambitious plans to overhaul local government structures across the county.
The proposed reorganisation would have seen the creation of two new unitary authorities - one for the Plymouth area and another for Exeter and East Devon. However, ministers have concluded that the current two-tier system, with Devon County Council working alongside district councils, should remain in place.
What the decision means for Devon residents
The rejection means business as usual for local government across most of Devon. The existing arrangement, where Devon County Council provides major services like education and social care while smaller district councils handle planning and bin collections, will continue unchanged.
This outcome represents a major victory for Devon County Council, which had fiercely opposed the unitary plans. Council leader John Hart had argued that creating new authorities would be unnecessarily disruptive and costly for taxpayers.
The background to the reorganisation debate
The push for change began when former Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick invited councils to submit reorganisation proposals. Exeter City Council and East Devon District Council responded with a joint plan for a new unitary authority covering their areas.
Similarly, Plymouth City Council proposed expanding its boundaries to incorporate South Hams and West Devon, creating a larger unitary authority for the western part of the county.
However, the government's decision indicates that ministers were not convinced these changes would deliver meaningful improvements for residents or better value for money.
What happens next for Devon?
With the reorganisation plans now shelved, local councils can focus on delivering services without the uncertainty of structural changes. The decision provides stability but also means missed opportunities for those who believed unitary authorities could streamline services and save money.
As one council insider noted, this decision likely ends the debate about local government reorganisation in Devon for the foreseeable future, allowing all authorities to concentrate on post-pandemic recovery and serving their communities.
