“Before a final recommendation is made in November 2025, residents, businesses, and community members across East Devon are invited to share their views.” [East Devon District Council]
“To take part, please complete the online survey by Monday 11 August 2025.”
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At the end of March, they were shaking up local government in Devon – and it was decision time.
Earlier, there had been fears about ‘rushed proposals’, an outcry at turning the South West into ‘the wild west’ and questions raised about who will manage what.
The final proposal from the District Councils was that they ‘do not support the creation of one unitary council for Devon’.
And that’s where we are now.
The district councils have issued a press release on how we now “have our say on the future of local government in Devon”:
Have your say on the future of local government in Devon
East Devon residents are being encouraged to have their say on the future of local government as part of nationwide Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
In December 2024, the government announced plans to simplify local government structures in England. Areas like Devon, which currently operate under a two-tier system (with both district and county councils), are now being asked to consider moving to a unitary authority model, where a single council is responsible for all local services.
In response, East Devon District Council has been collaborating with other councils across the county to explore potential options. A joint outline proposal was submitted to the government in March 2025 by Devon’s district councils.
Known as the 1-4-5 Plan, the proposal outlines the following structure:
- Plymouth would remain a standalone unitary authority.
- South Hams, Teignbridge, West Devon, and Torbay would form one new unitary council.
- East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, Torridge, and Exeter would form another.
In addition to this joint plan, some councils have submitted alternative proposals. The government will ultimately determine the final structure, based on several key criteria:
- Create councils with logical geographical areas.
- Improve efficiency and financial sustainability.
- Deliver high-quality and sustainable services.
- Reflect local identity and informed by local views.
- Support devolution arrangements.
- Enable better engagement and empowerment for local communities.
Before a final recommendation is made in November 2025, residents, businesses, and community members across East Devon are invited to share their views.
To take part, please complete the online survey by Monday 11 August 2025.
Your input will play an important role in shaping how local services are delivered in the future.
Meanwhile, the local press has picked up the story – that views are sought on the future of a South West council amid the local government shake-up and in particular views are sought on on the future of Torbay Council; and that we should “have your say on plans for giant ‘super council’ to include North Devon and Torridge”.
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