Government withdraws Devon council reorganisation plan for reconsideration

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 15:25 · Archive

The government has withdrawn its decision to reorganise Devon's councils into four larger authorities and is reconsidering all proposals.

The government has withdrawn its decision on a controversial shake-up of Devon's councils, promitting warnings about rural communities and frustration over continuing uncertainty. The previous plan would have replaced Devon's existing local authorities with four larger councils, with Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay expanding into surrounding areas and a fourth authority covering much of rural Devon.

Ministers have stressed that reorganisation has not been abandoned. All previously submitted proposals are back under consideration, with a fresh decision expected by early 2027. The announcement on Thursday, October 29 has prompted contrasting responses from council leaders across the county.

Councillor David Wulff, Liberal Democrat leader of Mid Devon District Council, said the decision gave ministers an opportunity to address shortcomings in the original process. He said the previous decision had not given sufficient weight to Devon's local circumstances, including the identities of market towns and villages and the challenges of delivering services across a large rural area. Other leaders have expressed disappointment over further delays, whilst Plymouth has continued to defend the original proposal.

How it is being reported

• Devon council hokey cokey continues as government goes back to the drawing boardThe government is to ‘rethink’ plans to carve up Devon’s council structure but no details or dates as yet…North Devon Gazette · 29 Oct, 14:53
• Government scraps Devon council shake-up decision as leaders demand answersGovernment withdraws its Devon council reorganisation decision, prompting mixed reactions from council leaders as ministers prepare to reconsider the plans.Exmouth Journal · 29 Oct, 14:26

In this story: Government · Devon · Mid Devon District Council · Plymouth · Exeter · Torbay · David Wulff

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