Devon County Council’s leader has sharply criticised the Government’s latest decision on local government reorganisation, saying delay will mean “more chaos, cost and confusion” for councils and communities.
Local Government Minister Jim McMahon told the House of Commons today that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government was withdrawing plans announced in July to replace two-tier local government in Devon with four unitary councils.
The department will now review all the original options and proposals submitted by Devon’s councils, with a fresh decision expected in January 2027 and new unitary councils formed in 2029.
Devon County Council has launched a legal challenge against the four-unitary proposal, arguing that the estimated £100 million cost of implementing the changes would be better spent on frontline services. The council said that the Government had not properly applied its own criteria when reaching its decision.
Council leader Councillor Julian Brazil said:
“Here is a Government that cannot sort out issues that really matter to our communities, such as our maternity services and our failing water industry, yet seems hellbent on a reorganisation that risks disrupting the real progress councils are making to improve services.
“The Government talked today about bringing clarity to the situation, but this latest announcement simply brings more chaos, cost and confusion to local authorities which are already facing significant challenges.
“Council staff do an incredible job and are focused on our ambitions for young people. We need a Government that gives them a clear idea about what the future holds so they can get on with that work.”
Councils across Devon have already spent around £5 million preparing for changes which would represent the biggest shake-up of local government in the county for 50 years.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government had agreed to provide £900,000 towards implementation costs for each new authority. However, the Government said today that only half that amount would be made available and shared between councils until a final decision is reached.
Cllr Brazil added:
“Instead of getting a firm decision from Government, we have had more delay and indecision, and now a U-turn on how much it will contribute financially.
“This makes it incredibly difficult for councils to plan their budgets, workforce and future. Devon County Council has continued to improve key services and focus relentlessly on creating better opportunities for young people, despite the uncertainty surrounding reorganisation. We could do so much more without this Halloween horror show hanging over us.
“Devon residents want better roads and better services. They want young people to be able to build healthy, happy and productive lives here.
“This week’s announcement that Devon is to have a Mayor and devolved powers gives us an opportunity to help achieve those ambitions. Endless uncertainty over local government reorganisation does not.
“We will continue to explore our legal options.”
