From Tony Parker, Exeter 383262, January 25,2007

Devon's councils today submitted a joint proposal to Government to work closely together in the future to deliver continuously improving and value for money services to meet the priorities of local communities in Devon.

All of Devon's District and Borough Councils, the County Council and the Devon Association of Parish Councils want to build on their already successful multi-tier working relationship to further the way local government works for people in Devon, whilst acknowledging Exeter City Council's unitary ambitions.

"Transforming Public Services in Devon - a submission on behalf of the local authorities in the Devon two-tier (county) area" sets out the councils' shared vision for public services in Devon. It states that "through a new and innovative model, we will provide cost-effective services which are designed around the needs of the people who use them and address the priorities of the local communities."

Their proposal is in response to the Local Government White Paper "Strong and Prosperous Communities", published in October 2006, which invited local councils to come forward with proposals for improved ways of working.

The submission includes a number of recent case studies which highlight how councils in Devon are already successfully working together and delivering effective joint services.

Devon County Council's Chief Executive Phil Norrey said: "Devon's councils have recognised the need for more significant and accelerated change and we have seized the opportunity presented to us by the White Paper to improve the way local government works. This will enable us to deliver the best services possible to meet the needs of local communities across Devon in the most cost effective way."

Ruth Bagley, Chief Executive, South Hams District Council said: "The Devon authorities have a good track record of working together. In recent years this has developed into innovative ways of seeking efficiency and improvement such as the current work between South Hams and Teignbridge District Councils to create several joint services and the three way partnership between South Hams, Plymouth City and Devon County Councils to deliver an exemplar, sustainable new community at Sherford.

"South Hams councillors feel strongly that by working with other local authority partners and by building on best practice they can provide both the service improvements and efficiencies the White Paper demands.

"We look forward to working with all our local authority colleagues in Devon to develop the detail of this proposal including parish and town councils which South Hams Council regards as vital members of the local government family."