A CALL for action to stop proposals to replace Devon's borough, district and county councils with a single unitary authority for the county has been made by West Devon Borough Council leader James McInnes.

Last month the Boundary Committee advised the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, John Denham, that Devon's 750,000 residents should have just one council. The advice was made even though two public consultations run by the Boundary Committee show more than 60% of respondents are against any changes.

Mr Denham has opened the issue up for further consultation until Tuesday January 19. If the Government choose to ratify the Boundary Committee proposals, a new Devon unitary could be in place by April 1, 2011. He could also implement the original Exeter City Council unitary proposal, with or without modification, or take no action.

Cllr McInnes is calling on all residents and organisations, even those who have previously submitted their views to the Boundary Committee in the past, to do so to the Minister again. He is particularly appealing to those who have not yet had their say to consider making representations.

Cllr McInnes said: 'This is the last opportunity to influence the decision and we, as a council, say that the unitary options – both the single Devon unitary and the double unitary for Exeter and the rest of Devon would be a disaster – both financially and democratically.

'Such a reorganisation will be a distraction and waste millions of pounds — vital public money which is needed to help our residents and businesses during the worst recession in living memory.

'Just look towards the new unitary Cornwall Council for the evidence. The original cost of implementing unitary status has trebled to more than £60 million.

'A Devon unitary will have the worst level of democratic representation in the country with a proposed 100 elected councillors representing almost three-quarters of a million people.

'This is a reorganisation that the vast majority of people haven't asked for and don't want.'

Cllr McInnes said that councils across the county are already sharing resources, making real savings and continuing to provide high quality services to residents. Only last month the independent Audit Commission applauded the Borough for performing well and consistently providing good services at low cost.

'In the last three years, West Devon Borough Council and South Hams District Council has saved more than £800,000 by sharing some of its services. This progress is now at risk through a decision of one Minister.'

Next week, Cllr McInnes and other Devon council leaders and MPs are due to meet Local Government Minister Rosie Winterton to press the case for no change in Devon.

To make representations email [email protected]">[email protected] or write to the Unitary Structures Team, Zone 3/J1, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DU.