“There will be an opportunity to have your say and share your thoughts and views” at the Library in the centre of town from 12 noon to 2pm.
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THE OPTIONS
Back in March, central government was shaking up local government in Devon – and it was decision time for the county and district councils. They opted for the “1-5-4” model, meaning the ‘one’ of Plymouth would remain a unitary authority and would expand its borders; the ‘five’ would be a combination of East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, Exeter and Torridge; and the ‘four’ would be South Hams, Teignbridge, West Devon and Torbay making the other large new council.
Over the previous months, 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 sent into central government by the District Councils was that they ‘do not support the creation of one unitary council for Devon’.
The only problem is that over the last couple of weeks, some of the councils seem to be ‘breaking ranks’. Devon’s county town is pushing for an expanded Exeter, which East Devon fears will be a land-grab by the city. And Barnstaple is now keen to to keep its North Devon identity following a council meeting last week.
Are these spanners in the works or helpful input for public debate?
THE PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS
The councils are trying to engage the wider public.
Yesterday was the last day to submit our say on the future of local government in Devon to East Devon District Council. And this coming Wednesday 3rd September, in Sidmouth we can have our say as part of Devon County Council’s roadshow – when “there will be an opportunity to have your say and share your thoughts and views” at the Library in the centre of town from 12 noon to 2pm.
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