Residents' Update 📢 Decision announced - Local Government Reorganisation

East Devon District Council sent this bulletin at 16-07-2026 05:00 PM BST

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Council commits to protecting local services following Devon reorganisation decision

Map of the four councils: Plymouth, Torbay, Exeter, and Devon Coast and Country

'Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right'

East Devon District Council commits to supporting the transition to a four unitary model for Local Government in Devon, following a decision on the future of local authorities in the county from the Ministry of Homes, Communities and Local Government.

The Government has accepted the four unitary proposal put forward by Exeter and Plymouth. The four new councils will be made up of:

A new Exeter authority, including 15 parishes from Teignbridge, 28 parishes from within East Devon and 6 parishes from within Mid Devon
A new Plymouth City Council, including 13 parishes from South Hams
A new Torbay Council, including 22 parishes from Teignbridge and South Hams
A rural and coastal authority covering the rest of Devon

This was not the favoured option of East Devon District Council which, along with seven other district authorities, had proposed a three unitary “Reimagining Devon” model.  

The accepted proposal will see the current East Devon geography split between two new unitary authorities covering a new Greater Exeter area and a large rural and coastal council footprint. The existing district council will now focus on working on ensuring that East Devon’s communities, services and staff are fully represented as the new authorities are designed and implemented.

Councillor John Loudoun, Deputy Leader for East Devon, said: 

“I am disappointed in this decision. This was not the preferred outcome for the majority of district councils in Devon, including this one. For East Devon, a split of our services will come with significant challenge and cost. 

However, our priority now is clear – ensuring that we protect local services, staff and democratic representation for East Devon residents as we transition from an existing East Devon across into the new unitary authorities. It is vital that we support the transition to the new authorities to ensure a smooth transfer and to minimise disruption for our residents and businesses”.  

Elections for the new authorities will take place in May 2027. These “shadow” authorities will run alongside existing councils to support the transition until April 2028 when the new unitary authorities will take formally take over.  

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