THE MP for Exeter has hit out at Devon County Council’s blueprint for local government, which it published on Friday, November 7.

Devon County Council says communities are at the heart of its business case for the future of local government in the county.

It’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, November 14, ahead of the document being presented to the County Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday, November 18.

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.

It says 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, it proposes 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.

It says establishing the Neighbourhood Area Committees would not remove any assets or powers from local town and parish councils.

It adds that 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.

Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council, said: “We must all remember that the decision on what local government will look like in future is not ours to make. That responsibility rests with central government.

“While there can be benefits to unitary councils, it needs to be done right. It’s very unfortunate that some have seen the whole process as an opportunity for gerrymandering. This has not been helped by central government diktats, continually changing, on how and what we should do. Local government should be given the time to develop what’s best for our local communities.

“Throughout this process our role has been to provide the best possible proposal for our local communities. Other councils have chosen to put their party political interests first. There is a danger that we will be left with chaos. Many of our rural parishes fear they will become cash cows for our inner cities. Devon deserves so much better.

“I came into politics to help the most vulnerable. We want the best for children’s services and we’ve turned a corner. The last thing we need now is upheaval. It would be a tragedy if improvement is disrupted by reorganisation, especially when there is evidence to show children’s services are at risk by breaking them up when they are on a very positive improvement journey.

“People have told us they want their local council to deliver good, efficient services. Local councillors need to be accessible to their local communities. I’m confident we have the best solution, and I hope that central Government agrees.”

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.

It adds that 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, November 28.

EXETER MP NOT HAPPY WITH DEVON PLAN

Steve Race, the Exeter MP, took to Facebook after the announcement and said: “Devon County Council is once again proposing to abolish everyone but themselves - including Exeter’s own self-governance.

“Let’s be under no illusions - a unitary Devon with no authority specifically for Exeter would be a disaster for our services and our economy. A council dominated and run by rural and coastal councillors will not deliver the business investment, housing strategy, transport improvements, and new infrastructure we need to thrive as a vibrant, economically successful urban centre.

“Devon’s children’s services have been failing since 2013. They refuse to use the power they have and the funding they’ve been given by a Labour government to improve our bus service. They threaten to remove all our homelessness support.

“DCC would be wise to accept that an enlarged Exeter with unitary status - meaning people who live in and around the current city boundaries having ultimate control over our own city and its direction - is better both for Exeter, and for the rural and north coastal communities of Devon who need a council focused on their needs.”

After November 28 the Government will look at all of the proposals it receives 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 April 1, 2028.