Council Leader Phil Bialyk said he was disappointed with the pause in Local Government Reorganisation but said he understands the government’s need to review the decisions made.
Communities Secretary Angela Rayner announced in Parliament that Devon is one of 14 areas nationally which will be reviewed and paused.
The government confirmed local elections in May 2027 would go ahead on existing council boundaries, meaning Exeter City Council elections will be held as usual in May 2027.
The Communities Secretary told MPs that in light of legal advice, she must be satisfied that the right process is in place, that it is robust, and complies with the law.
She also said that she wanted to fully test whether the proposals for local government reorganisation meet the priorities of the new administration and new prime minister.
Cllr Bialyk said: “I’m disappointed that Exeter’s long wait for unitary status will now be delayed while this review takes place.
“But I understand that there needs to a review because the new prime minister and new administration need to be satisfied that the decisions made are the right ones and that the right processes were followed.
“It is very important that we get this right, because it is too good an opportunity to miss for Exeter and for the rest of Devon.
“Local Government Reorganisation is the biggest change for Exeter for more than 50 years, and we have no doubt that our joint submission with Plymouth for change in Devon – which was supported by the government – remains the right one for all residents and communities in the county.”
In July the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government approved the joint proposal by Exeter and Plymouth city councils to create four new unitary authorities for the county.
The new unitary councils approved were:
An expanded Exeter – Exeter plus 49 surrounding parishes from Teignbridge, East Devon and Mid Devon
An expanded Plymouth – Plymouth plus 13 parishes from South Hams
An expanded Torbay – Torbay plus 21 nearby parishes
Devon Coast and Countryside – a new council designed for rural and coastal communities
East Devon Watch 