Council votes to go it alone in local shake-up

EXETER has been urged to 'be brave' and go ahead with bold plans to go it alone in the nationwide shakeup of local government.

- GUY HENDERSON Local Democracy Reporter

Members of the city council were almost unanimous just one councillor abstained in backing a proposal for Exeter to become a standalone unitary council, absorbing 49 other Devon communities in the process.

Councillors heard that the 49 comprising 28 in East Devon, 15 in Teignbridge and six in Mid Devon are parishes that naturally look to Exeter for work and leisure.

"I believe that Exeter has a responsibility to lead," said city council leader Phil Bialyk (Lab, Exwick). "Not to demand, not to dictate, but to lead with clarity, humility and deep respect for the communities around us. We need to find the best possible option for all of Devon."