The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has just launched a consultation on the five proposals submitted by various councils and combinations of councils on how to abolish district councils in Devon.

Responses can be made by completing an online survey, or in writing sent by email or by post. Closing date is 23:59 on 26 March.

However, Owl finds things aren’t quite as simple as they might seem. 

Firstly, the proposals actually submitted last November differ somewhat from those discussed and reported by Owl during 2025.  For example, South Hams, West Devon and Teignbridge have now broken from an earlier consensus amongst the districts; and County has made significant changes to the composition of its 3 unitary proposal.

Secondly, the online survey appears to have to be completed for each of the five proposals and there are ten questions. [Owl will check this].

Thirdly, respondents, even in writing, have to  make clear where they are coming from and which proposal they are addressing.

Owl intends to take a few days digesting the related web pages and maybe stabbing a talon or two into the survey.

Meanwhile, the BBC has a good summary here

Worth reminding readers that the target population size for a unitary authority remains 500,000 and not even Plymouth comes near, let alone Torbay or Exeter.

With the councils in disarray, Owl’s view is that it is imperative that readers respond to this consultation and give their views. London based Ministers and the Mandarins of Whitehall have no real feel for the more remote parts of the country. They will see places like Devon as a quaint little place for a jolly holiday or even a second home. They need feedback from us who live and work here.