Evidence based approach Taking a decision of this importance, that will shape governance and services for future generations, requires thorough evaluation and detailed consideration. In this process, we will be guided by the evidence and data and what’s best for our residents. We also want to discuss with our partners in the other Devon councils and public services how best we can design and deliver future public services that are more responsive, more efficient and better value for money for the residents of Devon. We’ve started this process, and it will continue over the coming months with the development of a full proposal and business case.

In this Interim Plan we set out our current position. It describes the existing model of local government, its governance, key indicators including the county’s size and population, the relationship to other public services and the opportunities and key challenges ahead.

We also detail the work conducted to date and the work that will be undertaken over the coming months and how this will be done engaging and working constructively with partners.

We recognise that it is important that any future options are not purely financially driven, but that they also need to be based on a credible geography and a sense of place, ensuring that our residents have a voice in these early discussions.

We will set out the principles that will guide this work and some of the practicalities and challenges in undertaking it and we will highlight how delivery of existing council services will continue uninterrupted through this process.