GOVERNMENT plans to reorganise how local services are delivered across Devon, by abolishing two-tier authorities - County Councils and District Councils - and replacing them with single unitary councils, some led by Mayors, has not found much favour in Crediton.

Exeter City Council last week announced that it wants to include six local locations in the current Mid Devon District Council area within its bid, alongside others from other authorities, in a form of a Greater Exeter unitary authority.

Locally this includes Cheriton Bishop, Hittisleigh, Colebrooke, Crediton Town, Crediton Hamlets and Newton St Cyres.

A report before Exeter councillors today, Thursday, August 14, recommends it proceeds with plans to create a new unitary council for Exeter and the surrounding area.

Some local people have branded Exeter’s plan as a “land grab”.

The City Council says the proposal reflects Exeter’s position as a major urban hub with strengths in housing growth, knowledge economy, innovation, education, climate science and transport connectivity.

Mid Devon District Council’s preferred option, known as the 1-4-5 plan, proposes:

1) Retaining Plymouth as it is. 4) A unitary authority combining South Hams, Teignbridge and West Devon areas with Torbay. 5) A unitary authority including Mid, East, North Devon, Torridge and Exeter.

Devon County Council (DCC), like all the district council’s in Devon, is working to submit proposals to the government by November 28.

Currently DCC is engaging with the public to seek its views.

It has embarked on a series of roadshow events in towns across the county, the Crediton roadshow held at Crediton Library on Tuesday, August 12.

DCC has submitted an Interim Report with a range of proposed options but has not yet submitted a final proposal.

It will be the government which will determine the final structure, but before any decisions are made, the public is asked to make their views known.

Survey forms can be completed on-line with each of the authorities or you can request a paper copy.

In Mid Devon, email: [email protected] or call 01884 255255 or for Devon, email: [email protected] or call 0345 1551015.

Government proposals are to create "empowered, simplified, resilient and sustainable” unitary authorities.