Devon's district councils worry over local government reorganisation plans
Leaders say they're concerned the plans won't be financially sustainable
Devon's district councils say they are worried about the "real risk of financial unsustainability" through the government's proposals to reorganise and reduce the number of local councils.
The plans would see a change in counties where there is currently a two-tier system, with larger overarching county councils, which deal with things like adult and children's social care; and district councils, which collect council tax and undertake things like bin collections.
Central government signalled in December 2024 its intent to end the current system of district and county Councils and smaller unitary Councils. Instead, these are to be replaced by unitary councils covering much larger areas, with a guideline minimum population of 500,000 people.
But there's been concern from authories across Devon about how it will work.
The leaders of councils in North Devon, East Devon, Mid Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge and West Devon have put out a joint statement on their position. They say: "We are proud of our track record in delivering high quality and cost-effective public services. Each of our councils is well established and has, over many years, built a connection with local communities such that we understand how best to tailor the delivery of these services to meet the needs of local residents.
"We are also very concerned that the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) as stipulated by government including the timetable runs the real risk of financial unsustainability from inception. The most significant funding challenges facing the people of Devon concern Adult and Children Social Care, SEND, and NHS funding. Government proposals address none of these, but rather risks uprooting the very organisations holding the line today.
"However, it is our duty to respond to answer national government’s demand for structural change through LGR.
"We are united in our belief that the interests of the nearly 1 million people of Devon and Torbay will not best be served by a single ‘mega’ council covering the entirety of this area. As districts, we have therefore reached initial agreement to work towards the formation of two new councils that combine our existing areas."
These would be one unitary authority combining South Hams, Teignbridge and West Devon with Torbay and another with East, Mid and North Devon, Torridge and the City of Exeter.
The leaders of the councils continue, by saying: " There is considerable further work to do to develop these proposals. We want to maintain local distinctiveness whilst seeking to secure ongoing service improvements. We are having to move at pace to meet the initial deadline set by national government for Interim Plans to be submitted by 21 March.
We also recognise that Plymouth City will be looking to change their boundaries, which is a matter for government to decide on.
We are resolute in our shared commitment to engaging with our residents, partners and stakeholders to help shape these proposals going forward. This includes in the period through to November and the submission of final proposals. We will provide ongoing updates as we reach key milestones.