On 16 December 2024, the Government announced significant reforms for local government.
The English Devolution White Paper (Power and Partnership: Foundations for Growth) sets out the government’s plans for a joint programme of devolution and local government reorganisation which aims to:
- devolve more powers and funding to local authorities
- reorganise and simplify local government structures
What is Devolution?
In England, Devolution is the process of transferring powers and funding from national to local government. It aims to give local areas more control over decisions that affect them. This can involve creating combined authorities or mayoral combined authorities to oversee larger areas and manage devolved responsibilities.
It is important because it ensures that decisions are made closer to local people, communities and businesses they affect.
What is Local Government Reorganisation?
- Local Government Reorganisation is the process of restructuring local authorities to create larger, unitary councils.
- It aims to simplify the current two-tier system of county and district/borough councils.
- In many areas, this will involve creating councils with populations of 350,000 to 500,000+.
- The government is facilitating this process, with the goal of improving service delivery and efficiency.
Why is Local Government Reorganisation happening?
The government wants to devolve more powers and funding to local areas. To achieve this, the structure of local government needs to be reorganized. The intention is to create more efficient and effective local authorities.
Local Government Reorganisation is also seen as a way to support economic growth and potentially address housing challenges.
What does Local Government Reorganisation mean in Devon?
Devon currently has 11 different authorities delivering services for residents. They include:
- Devon County Council
- Eight district councils, including North Devon Council
- Two unitary authorities (Plymouth and Torbay)
Under the proposals, these could be reorganised to create new unitary authorities which will deliver all council services within their area.
What has happened so far?
Following the publication of the English Devolution White Paper, the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon, issued a statutory invitation to all councils in two-tier areas and small neighbouring unitary authorities to develop their unitary proposals and outline plans to bring together lower and upper tier local government services in new unitary councils.
As requested by Government, a joint outline proposal (known as an interim plan) was submitted on behalf of all the Devon District Councils, except Exeter, in March 2025. The proposal has also been included as one of several options submitted by both Torbay Council and Devon County Council.
Known as the 1-4-5 plan, it proposes:
- A unitary authority including East, Mid, North Devon, Torridge and Exeter.
- Retaining Plymouth unitary authority.
- A unitary authority combining the South Hams, Teignbridge and West Devon areas with Torbay
North Devon Council itself submitted an interim plan which incorporated support for the proposal but also outlined the importance of reflecting the unique cultural, community and historic identity of North Devon. That interim plan highlighted the possibility of a more northern Devon focussed model but made clear that we would take into account all evidence and data before reaching any conclusions.
Multiple other proposals have also been submitted to the Government by Plymouth, Exeter, Devon County Council and Torbay.
All councils across Devon are now working towards refining the possible options for the future of local government and final proposals will be submitted to Government in November 2025.
Can councils opt out of this process?
We cannot opt out. All councils must follow the roadmap that is mandated in December’s White Paper and ‘no change’ is not an option.
The Government has been clear that it wants all small unitaries and two-tier areas to bring forward proposals for reorganisation. It intends to deliver this process as quickly as possible, including through legislation, where it becomes necessary to ensure progress.
Who will have the final say?
The final decision on proposals for local government reorganisation will be taken by the Government.
Council leaders are responsible for holding discussions between different local authority areas, to help produce full proposals by 28 November 2025. These proposals must also be supported by evidence and widespread engagement. It will then be down to the Government to consult.
Other than working together to bring forward plans and proposals for their area, councils will not get a say in the Government’s final decision.
How you can get involved
Following guidance set out by the Government, we are carrying out widespread engagement involving local partners and stakeholders, residents, our workforce and businesses. You can complete the survey on the Lets Talk North Devon website via the button below. The survey closes on Monday, 11 August.
Final proposals must be submitted by 28 November and it will be for the Government to decide on taking a proposal forward and to consult as required by statute.