District councils in Devon voice opposition to county-wide unitary authority
Devon’s seven district councils and Exeter City Council have issued a joint statement in opposition to the prospect of a county-wide unitary council in response to the Government’s plans for local government reorganisation.
The statement comes a month after the publication of the English Devolution White Paper, which revealed the Government’s intention to replace two-tier authorities with unitary authorities representing around 500,000 people.
All eight of the councils, as well as Devon County Council, are holding meetings ahead of the Government’s 10 January deadline to apply to be part of its “priority” devolution programme to discuss reorganisation.
If accepted onto the priority programme, local elections for the region will be delayed until next year.
It is not clear what the county council’s position on reorganisation currently is.
However, the county’s district authorities have said they wish to “make it clear” that they do not support a county-wide unitary authority.
The districts said any reform of local Government in Devon should follow a period of “proper consultation with residents, businesses, elected representatives, and stakeholders”.
Their statement added: “A single unitary council for the county risks diminishing local representation, with decision-making that is remote from the communities we serve.”
The districts also voiced opposition to any delay in local elections.
The statement continued: “We recognise that the Government’s White Paper sets a clear direction of travel.
“As Devon’s city, district, and borough council leaders, we want to work collaboratively with others in particular with our neighbouring unitary councils to agree how we respond to this.
“Any changes must be carefully considered, transparent, and inclusive, ensuring that residents and businesses are fully engaged in shaping the future governance of Devon.”
Exeter City Council has meanwhile stated its intention to apply to become its own unitary council, separate from the surrounding districts.
Officers at Exeter have recommended that the council apply to the Government’s priority programme in a report set to be discussed during an extraordinary council meeting on Thursday (9 January).
The leader of Exeter City Council, Phil Bialyk, said: “I believe that we now have a huge opportunity to make the most of devolution. Exeter is rapidly growing and has one of the biggest travel-to-work areas in the whole country. We are a place where people want to live and work, and we have big plans for future growth.
“Exeter is the economic powerhouse of the county and drives the economy of the rest Devon, so it is important that decisions for Exeter are made in Exeter.”
Adam Carey
