National government signalled in December 2024 its
intent to end the current system of District and County Councils and smaller Unitary
Councils. These are to be replaced by Unitary Councils covering much larger
areas, with a guideline minimum population of 500,000 people.
The government has asked all local authorities in Devon to submit early ideas on how best to create new Unitary Authorities. This would mean replacing the current two-tier system (such as South Hams District Council and Devon County Council) with a single-tier structure, with just one council responsible for delivering all local services.
The initial plans submitted to Government are available below:
Devon County Council (DCC)
DCC Initial Proposal
DCC dedicated LGR website - Getting it right for Devon
DCC news bulletin - Devon publishes its blueprint for local government reorganisation
Plymouth City Council (PCC)
PCC Initial Proposal
PCC dedicated website - Big Community Conversation
PCC survey link
South Hams District Council (SHDC)
SHDC Initial Proposal
SHDC dedicated website - Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution
SHDC survey link
SHDC Press Release - We welcome your views on the future of council services
SHDC Council News - Reimagining Devon: Believe in Better - our proposal for reorganising local government
The full proposal, Reimagining Devon : Believe in Better is available to view at www.reimaginingdevon.org
Interim Plan Feedback : Devon, Plymouth and Torbay (15th May 2025)