BIG changes currently being considered for the way in which local government serves the people of Devon could seriously damage local democracy, says West Devon Borough Council leader James McInnes.

The Boundary Committee has announced proposals to create a single unitary authority for Devon. Another option may create a Greater Exeter and Exmouth unitary council alongside a large Devon unitary. Plymouth and Torbay Councils would remain unchanged in both scenarios.

If agreed by Government, Devon will have a single council for around 740,000 residents spread across 2,500 square miles, becoming one of the largest unitary authorities in England. A single unitary authority would deliver all council services currently provided by the borough and county councils.

But Cllr McInnes believes the proposal, which would see the abolition of all Devon district councils, including West Devon's, has major consequences for everyone.

He said: 'The intention of the Boundary Committee's proposals should be about bringing the process of government closer to the people, giving communities more say in decisions that affect their lives.

'I feel however that these changes could damage the very fabric of local democracy resulting in governance being more remote and less sensitive to the needs of our communities.

'We're facing the most dramatic upheaval in local government for a generation. It's time for the people of the Devon to make their voices heard.'

Cllr McInnes, who is also a Devon County councillor, said that he understood the proposed new council would be made up of 100 councillors – one for every 7,400 people.

'In West Devon, the council is made up of 31 councillors serving just over 50,000 people covering an area larger than that contained within the M25 Greater London motorway. Under the unitary proposals, we may have just six councillors for West Devon covering vast wards.

'Such a role will undoubtedly become a full time occupation limiting the chances of many being able to stand as a councillor. There's a real danger that these proposals will weaken the democratic rights of the people.'

He also fears for the standard of services that the people would receive from a unitary council.

He said: 'The borough has an excellent reputation for its recycling and refuse service.

'However, under a unitary Devon, there is likely to be one contract for the whole on the county. This could mean a "one size fits all" approach which doesn't suit our specific rural needs.'

The Boundary Committee's proposals were announced in early July — the consultation period ends on Friday September 26.

Cllr McInnes said: 'The feedback from our residents is that people see little point in changing what works well, particularly as this has not been sought by many residents in Devon and has yet to be costed.'

To have your say on the proposals write to The Review Manager (Devon), The Boundary Committee for England, Trevelyan House, Great Peter Street, London, SW1P 2HW or register your views online at http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/boundary-reviews/open-consultations/online-submissions">www.electoralcommission.org.uk/boundary-reviews/open-consultations/online-submissions