City councillors endorse huge expansion plan

PLYMOUTH City Councillors have backed plans for a four-unitary model of local government which will see the city take in 13 new parishes around its current borders.

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Forty-seven councillors voted in favour of the proposal, with two against and two abstaining at a full council meeting on Monday. It was later given the green light from the council's cabinet. The model includes an extended Plymouth area, an extended Exeter area, Torbay, and a coast and countryside authority covering the rest of Devon.

Subject to an executive cabinet meeting of Exeter City Council, the model will be submitted to the government as a joint proposal from the two authorities.

This Friday (November 28) is the deadline for councils to put forward their final plans for the local government shakeup which aims to simplify council structures.

The abolition of Devon County Council and eight district councils will make way for larger unitary authorities responsible for all local services.