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Thursday 19 March 2026
The Government-led consultation on the future shape of local government in Devon is in its final week, and we're keen make sure you've had your say by completing the survey.
We’re proposing a new Devon Unitary Council because we believe replacing the existing county and district council works best for everyone.
📈 Consistent standards
💪 Most financially sustainable
🔽 Less risk than smaller councils
✅ Least disruption
❤️ Neighbourhood empowerment
The Government wants your views. We’ve set out how our proposal stacks up against their questions.
- Is a new Devon Unitary Council based on sensible geographies and economic areas?
✅ Yes, it’s the most financially sustainable option, matching real economic areas while avoiding the higher costs and risks of smaller councils.
- Will a new Devon Unitary Council be able to deliver the outcomes described in the proposal?
✅ Yes, because the finances add up. £28.6m a year in savings, fast payback and minimal disruption means more money for frontline services, not bureaucracy.
- Is a new Devon Unitary Council the right size to be efficient, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks?
✅ Yes, with a population of around 842,000, it has the scale to be efficient, resilient and avoids the cost and risk of smaller councils.
- Will a new Devon Unitary Council deliver high quality, sustainable public services?
✅ Yes, strong finances fund high‑quality services, with less duplication, consistent standards and no disruption from splitting services.
- Has the proposal to create a new Devon Unitary Council been informed by local views and will it meet local needs?
✅ Yes, it’s what thousands of people told us they want, with simpler access, clear accountability and fairness across Devon, and is the only financially robust option to deliver it.
- Will creating a new Devon Unitary Council support devolution arrangements?
✅Yes, it recognises the economic opportunities for the whole of Devon, and delivers investment in housing, jobs, and infrastructure at pace.
- Will a new Devon Unitary Council enable stronger community engagement and give the opportunity for neighbourhood empowerment?
✅ Yes, because a financially strong council with neighbourhood budgets and local action plans gives communities real influence over what matters to them.
The Government is expected to make a decision on the future structure of local government in Devon by July 2026.
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