THE Government has delayed the date by which submissions concerning the creation of a 'super council' to run the whole of Devon have to be submitted, allowing councils and the public more time to put their case.

Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, informed the Boundary Committee of the change of date, from December 31 2008 to February 13 2009.

There has been mounting pressure from opposition parties and concern expressed about the affordability of the bid to scrap the two-tier county and district structure — and the lack of time to respond to the financial case.

The decision also follows a High Court ruling that it would not be possible for the Boundary Committee to comply with its duty to consult on affordability if it were to report by December 31.

The final decision may not now be made by Ms Blears until the end of March, but any changes will still be due in April 2010, leaving the prospective council less time to prepare.

Cllr James McInnes, leader of West Devon Borough Council, said: 'While I am pleased there is extra time to look at the affordability issue, I'm concerned about the continuing uncertainty that this extension of six weeks will cause.'

An alternative proposal to unite Exeter and Exmouth as one authority alongside the rest of the county was dismissed as 'high risk' by a study.

The same study found that a single unitary council for Devon offered the best financial model and could result in council tax being set at the lowest current level countywide.

However, West Devon Borough Council disputes the savings being forecast and also says that democracy would be damaged by the creation of a larger authority.