The Government has announced its decision on the future structure of local government in Devon, confirming that four unitary authorities will be created by local government reorganisation for the county.
The option selected, proposed by Plymouth and Exeter city councils, will create four new unitary councils for Devon as you can see on the map above.
The decision follows the submission of proposals by councils across Devon in 2025 and a subsequent public consultation undertaken by Government earlier this year. Devon County Council, alongside other authorities, submitted business cases setting out alternative options for the future delivery of local government services.
The decision forms part of a wider programme to replace the current two-tier system of county and district councils with unitary authorities.
Local government reorganisation is intended to create councils that are responsible for the full range of local government services within their areas, replacing existing arrangements where responsibilities are shared between county and district councils.
The Government’s announcement marks the next stage in the reorganisation process. Work will now continue nationally and locally to develop detailed implementation plans, and the arrangements required to establish the new authorities. Devon County Council will work with partners, stakeholders and government to support the transition process.
Key milestones in the programme are expected to include the development of detailed transition arrangements, the introduction of the necessary legislative changes, elections to new authorities in 2027 and implementation of the new arrangements ahead of vesting day in 2028.
There are no immediate changes to the delivery of council services. Services will continue to operate as normal while further work is undertaken to plan and implement the new structures. Similar messaging has previously been provided to staff through local government reorganisation updates, which stated that no immediate changes to services, roles or structures would take place while decisions and future arrangements were being considered.
Further information about implementation arrangements and future governance structures is expected to be provided as the programme progresses. Devon County Council will continue to keep residents, staff, elected members and stakeholders informed as more details become available.