Reimagining Devon: Believe in Better - our proposal for reorganising local government

We've published our proposals for reshaping and reimagining the future of local services in Devon.

Reimagining Devon: Believe in Better has been published by seven of Devon’s district councils, outlining a new model for local government to secure a brighter and more prosperous future for the county and its communities.

In December 2024, the UK Government announced plans to simplify the structure of local government across England. Areas such as Devon, which currently has a ‘two-tier’ system comprising a county council and district councils, are being asked to develop new unitary authorities.

We've worked with East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge and Torridge district councils to shape the proposal. Torbay Council has collaborated with the districts in developing the case but is pursuing its own submission which would see it remain as a unitary authority.

The districts’ proposal, known as the 4-5-1 model, includes:

• Torbay and Southern Devon - a unitary authority made up of South Hams, Teignbridge, Torbay and West Devon
• Exeter and Northern Devon - a unitary authority made up of East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon and Torridge
• Plymouth City Council remaining a standalone unitary authority 

The 4-5-1 model has been designed to create three robust and balanced unitary authorities in which services are designed and delivered close to communities, as well as unlocking place-based economic growth that will ensure no community is left behind.

Watch our video on the proposal:

Reimagining Devon facilitates the transformation of public services and promotes integrated delivery across health, social care, education, housing and community services. 

Financial modelling conducted as part of the proposal forecasts savings of at least £77.1m from year six, and a cumulative saving of £508m by 10 years.  

The initial investment associated with setting up the new councils would be recouped within three years. 

In a joint statement, the councils’ leaders said: “We believe this proposal truly delivers the best possible outcomes for all of Devon’s 1.2 million residents, with three authorities that are big enough to be financially sustainable and deliver major services while remaining local and accessible with communities at their hearts. 

“This proposal has been built by rigorous evidence-based analysis and assessment, and extensive engagement with residents, businesses, partners and community groups. The result, this reimagining of Devon, will give our residents the local services they want, tailored to their needs, and ensures our councils are future-proof and resilient for generations to come.” 

Each council will formally consider approving the proposal at their own respective meetings between 25 November and the deadline for submission of proposals on 28 November. 

The full proposal, Reimagining Devon: Believe in Better, is available to view at www.reimaginingdevon.org