Psst – The timing of all this looks difficult for the government. We have division and disarray stoked by Plymouth and Exeter backing a four council split separating the highly urbanised areas from the Devon “countryside”. The government is supposed to resolve this and “consult” on the final judgement by June 2026, with elections for the new councils held in May 2027 and the new councils launching in 2028. Owl assumes that the existing county council divisions would be used to elect these councillors suggesting that Labour would have little representation outside Plymouth, however you carve the turkey. All this happens in the run up to the next election.

The vision statement: “Reimagining Devon: Believe in Better”

Big changes could be coming to how councils carry out their work.

Samanta Gladkauskaite www.midweekherald.co.uk

East Devon District Council has approved a new business case for reshaping local government, developed in collaboration with six district councils under the Reimagining Devon: Believe in Better programme.

The plan responds to the UK government’s plan to simplify the structure of local services in England.

Councillor John Loudoun, deputy leader of East Devon District Council, said: “Submitting Reimagining Devon: Believe in Better marks an important step in shaping the future of local government in our county.

“Now with formal backing from East Devon councillors, our proposal will create balanced and sustainable authorities that can thrive.”

The proposal sets out the creation of three unitary authorities in Devon:

– Torbay and Southern Devon (covering South Hams, Teignbridge, Torbay and West Devon)

– Exeter and Northern Devon (covering East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon and Torridge)

– Plymouth City Council would remain a standalone unitary authority

A government-led public consultation is expected to take place in early 2026.

Mr Loudoun said: “We have worked hard, across political and geographic boundaries, to develop a financially sound model that reflects Devon’s unique identity and delivers accessible, high-quality services at the heart of our communities.

“My thanks go to the residents, businesses, community groups and partners who helped inform this work.

“A further consultation will take place in the new year, and I urge everyone to get involved to help ensure we build a local government structure that truly serves our communities for generations to come.”

The full proposal is available to view on the Reimagining Devon website and will be submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government following council approvals.

A final decision is expected in summer 2026.

Elections for the new authority would be held in May 2027, ahead of its planned launch in 2028.