Government announcement creates 'further uncertainty' in Devon shake up

The decision to withdraw a shake-up of Devon’s councils has created “further uncertainty” about the future of local government in the county, say leaders in West Devon and South Hams.

It was announced by local government minister Jim McMahon on Thursday that the decision to divide Devon into four unitary councils, paused in September after opposition and talk of possible legal challenges, would be withdrawn and reconsidered.

The county is among nine areas of England where “more time” was needed to consider proposals, said the minister.

In the first massive overhaul in local government in 50 years, the plans include abolishing Devon’s 11 councils and replacing them with unitary councils responsible for all local services.

But the government’s preferred option to create larger Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay councils with a large rural council covering the remainder of the county from Ilfracombe in the north to Salcombe in the south and over to Sidmouth in the east met with anger from rural communities and leaders who said they had been “dumped” into a “rural rump”.

Devon County Council, which has spent in the region of £2 million on  local government reorganisation (LGR) so far, has been considering challenging the government at a judicial review over the decision-making process. 

Leader of West Devon Borough Council, Cllr Mandy Ewings (Ind, Tavistock South West), said: “Today’s announcement creates further uncertainty about the future of local government in Devon and leaves residents, businesses and councils waiting longer for a clear decision.

“While we welcome the government taking more time to review its proposals, we are concerned that the option it had previously selected could return as their preferred solution when we expect a decision to be made in the New Year.

 “When the government’s plans for reorganisation were revealed in July, I expressed my deep disappointment that the proposal chosen did not serve all of Devon’s residents equally, with cities being allowed to expand to take in the adjoining rural communities.

“The idea of three urban councils and one huge ‘rump’ council serving the rest of the county didn’t seem fair to our county’s rural residents, including everyone living in West Devon. 

 “West Devon deserves a future that gives our communities a strong voice and ensures local services are shaped around the needs of local people. As the process continues, we will keep making the case for an arrangement that is fair, effective and works for our residents.

 “In the meantime, our focus remains on delivering the high-quality services that matter most and supporting our communities across the borough.”

Leader of South Hams District Council, Cllr Dan Thomas (Lib Dem, Newton and Yealmpton) said he was concerned the delay would inevitably impact on staff.

But he added: “Having listened to the ministerial announcement, I am hopeful that the government is now in listening mode and I intend to work with them to create the best model of local government for our residents and for the whole of Devon.”

Both councils had supported the 1-4-5 LGR model retaining Plymouth as a standalone unitary authority, the amalgamation of West Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge and Torbay in another (4) and North Devon, Torridge, Mid Devon, East Devon, and the city of Exeter in another (5).

It said this plan met the government’s criteria for size of populations and did not split up existing boundaries.

Critics said the government’s favoured plans, which was the one proposed by Exeter and Plymouth councils, rode roughshod over its own criteria with communities like Totnes being split into different council areas.