Council behind reorganisation legal challenge says delay brings more "chaos, cost and confusion"

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) announced on Thursday that it would restart LGR in five areas after pausing the programme in September.

However, the announcement revealed that LGR decisions in nine other areas will be scrapped in order for new decisions to be made. The Government said that all areas awaiting a decision will have an outcome announced by early next year.

Devon, which is among the nine areas, launched a legal challenge against the LGR programme in August, claiming MHCLG's decision favoured urban expansion while ignoring the county’s rural areas.

Responding to this week's update, Devon's leader, Julian Brazil, said the continued uncertainty makes it "incredibly difficult" for councils to plan for the future.

He said: "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."

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.”

He said: “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.”

Adam Carey