On 7 September 2026, the UK government announced a decision to pause and review proposals to reorganise local government in areas including Devon.
Read the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government statement here: Review of local government reorganisation launched – GOV.UK
The review means elections scheduled to take place in May 2027 will now go ahead to existing council boundaries. In Devon this means local elections to North Devon Council and town and parish councils will take place.
What has been happening in Devon before this announcement?
In July 2026, the government announced the existing system of county, district and unitary councils will be replaced by four new unitary authorities. The new councils will be responsible for delivering all local government services in their areas.
For residents, this means services currently provided by different councils will, in future, be delivered by a single organisation.
The new councils were announced as:
- Devon Council – covering the majority of the county, including North Devon
- Exeter Council – covering Exeter and surrounding areas
- Greater Plymouth Council – covering Plymouth and neighbouring parishes
- Torbay and South Devon Council – covering Torbay and parts of South Devon
Keeping up to date
To help residents, communities and businesses stay informed, Devon's existing councils have created Future Devon, a shared website providing information about local government reorganisation.
Visit the Future Devon website for the latest information and updates.