“It is difficult to understand why councils were asked to work to one set of principles only for the outcome to move so far away from them….”

“Local government should be shaped around communities, not communities shaped around local government…..”

From her weekly column in the Sidmouth Herald a week ago:

Local reorganisation and what it means for Sidmouth (31 July)

Denise Bickley www.sidmouthherald.co.uk (extract)

Last week’s Herald [24 July] was full of everyone’s views on the Government’s decision on Local Government Reorganisation in Devon, so I thought I would add mine this week.

Like many people, I am disappointed by the direction the Government has chosen to take.

Throughout this process, I have argued that any changes to local government should strengthen local democracy, not weaken it.

Decisions should be made as close as possible to the communities they affect.

I am concerned that the Government has placed too much emphasis on drawing new boundaries and too little on whether those new councils will genuinely serve the people who live within them.

What is particularly frustrating is that councils were originally asked to develop proposals based on authorities of around 500,000 residents while working with existing boundaries wherever possible.

The direction now being taken appears to achieve neither of those aims.

It is difficult to understand why councils were asked to work to one set of principles only for the outcome to move so far away from them.

Devon is one county with many different communities.

Any new structure should recognise those differences rather than force together areas with very different priorities and identities.

Local government should be shaped around communities, not communities shaped around local government.

As one of the three Cabinet Members with responsibility for Children’s Services, I am particularly concerned about the timing of these changes.

We are making real progress in improving services for some of Devon’s most vulnerable children and young people.

That progress is encouraging, but it is not yet fully embedded, and any disruption at this stage could put those improvements at risk.

Since the Government’s announcement, Devon County Council has begun exploring the legal options available, including the preliminary work required for a possible Judicial Review.

While that process takes its course, my focus remains on protecting Sidmouth’s interests and ensuring that residents’ voices continue to be heard throughout the reorganisation.

There will no doubt be more developments in the months ahead, and I will continue to keep residents informed.

I was elected in May 2025 with the expectation of serving a four-year term until 2029, so naturally I am disappointed that Local Government Reorganisation means voters will be asked to elect a shadow authority as early as next May.

However, my focus remains firmly on the job I was elected to do.

I very much hope to earn residents’ support to continue the progress we are making – particularly in improving Children’s Services – while ensuring Sidmouth continues to have a strong voice and is never overlooked in the new council.