New contender in race to reshape landscape of local government

NEW contender has emerged as the favourite in the race to decide the shape of Devon's new councils.

- by GUY HENDERSON Local Democracy Reporter

All of Devon's district councils will be axed as part of the Government's planned reorganisation of local authorities, along with the county council.

In their place will be larger unitary authorities, which the Government says will save costs and remove unnecessary bureaucracy. The new authorities could take over by May 2028.

Local councils have been given until the end of next month to submit their proposals for the shakeup, with the Government announcing its decisions next summer.

There are already two small unitary authorities in Devon - Torbay and Plymouth - along with the county council and eight district councils, giving rise to a number of different possible ‘formations’ for the revamped political map of Devon.