THE Leader of West Devon is urging everyone in the borough to take part in the Government consultation on the reorganisation of local government in Devon.

Cllr Mandy Ewings said: “I am urging residents, organisations and businesses across West Devon to take part in the consultation on Local Government Reorganisation in Devon, which closes on March 26.

“Local Government Reorganisation is coming in 2028, which means that there are going to be huge changes to how council services will be delivered across Devon. Essential services like housing, children’s services, roads and highways, planning and licensing are all provided by your local councils, which means all of us will be affected by reorganisation in one way or another.

“Reorganisation is something that the government is enforcing upon us, but we need to ensure that when the decisions on what our new councils will look like in Devon are made, people living both in West Devon and the entire county get the best option, that ensures these crucial council services are delivered efficiently, effectively and economically.

“New councils need to ensure that everyone in Devon gets fair representation, with councillors that are as close as possible to the communities that they serve. There needs to be accountability, and dependability.

“If that’s what you want to see from your local services, please take the opportunity to take part in the consultation and share your views before it closes on 26 March. You can find out more about the different proposals at www.devonlgr.co.uk.”

West Devon Borough Council, along with six of Devon’s other district councils, is supporting the Reimagining Devon proposal, which would see Devon split into three unitary authorities. One would cover Exeter and northern Devon, one would cover Torbay and southern Devon and the final one covers Plymouth, either on its existing boundaries or on a slightly expanded boundary that would include four parishes currently in the South Hams.

The council believes that Reimagining Devon is the most balanced solution for all of Devon, not just those living in West Devon. It is a plan that would deliver efficient and effective services closer to communities, building on the dependable services already being delivered by Devon’s district councils.

It ensures decision making remains local and offers the best political representation for everyone across the county. It also is the plan that delivers the biggest financial savings, with a robust plan that ensures services provide Devon taxpayers with good value for money. The cost of implementing the Reimagining Devon proposal would be paid back in under three years.

Reimagining Devon is one of the proposals put to government; Devon County Council, Plymouth and Exeter city councils, and Torbay Council also made their own submissions.

You can find out more about all the submissions and have your say at www.devonlgr.co.uk