The Leader of West Devon, Mandy Ewings, is urging everyone in the borough to take part in the Government consultation on the reorganisation of local government in Devon.
West Devon Borough Council, along with six of Devon’s other district councils, is supporting the Reimagining Devon proposal, which would see Devon split into three unitary authorities. One would cover Exeter and northern Devon, one would cover Torbay and southern Devon and the final one covers Plymouth, either on its existing boundaries or on a slightly expanded boundary that would include four parishes currently in the South Hams.
The council believes that Reimagining Devon is the most balanced solution for all of Devon, not just those living in West Devon. It is a plan that would deliver efficient and effective services closer to communities, building on the dependable services already being delivered by Devon’s district councils.
Cllr Mandy Ewings said: “Local Government Reorganisation is coming in 2028, which means that there are going to be huge changes to how council services will be delivered across Devon. Essential services like housing, children’s services, roads and highways, planning and licensing are all provided by your local councils, which means all of us will be affected by reorganisation in one way or another.
“Reorganisation is something that the government is forcing upon us, but we need to ensure that when the decisions on what our new councils will look like in Devon are made, people living both in West Devon and the entire county get the best option, that ensures these crucial council services are delivered efficiently, effectively and economically.
“New councils need to ensure that everyone in Devon gets fair representation, with councillors that are as close as possible to the communities that they serve. There needs to be accountability, and dependability.
“If that’s what you want to see from your local services, please take the opportunity to take part in the consultation and share your views before it closes on 26 March. You can find out more about the different proposals at www.devonlgr.co.uk.”
Click the thumbnail above to watch Cllr Ewings' video on LGR.
We need your views on how to support arts and culture in West Devon.
We’re creating a new Cultural Framework and Strategy to guide how culture, creativity and heritage are supported in the future and we want your help to shape it.
Whether you attend events, volunteer, create, or simply enjoy what West Devon has to offer, your views matter. Please take a few minutes to let us know your thoughts.
Tamar Valley National Landscape & Tamara Landscape Partnership are holding a free Community Action for Nature Forum on 28 February.
The event is designed to inspire and empower local communities to take meaningful climate and sustainability action and provides an excellent networking opportunity.
Book your place here.
Whether you’re changing your career or just starting out, it all starts with skills. An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and bring new skills and knowledge to your business. National Apprenticeship Week - running from 9 February to 13 February, celebrates how apprenticeships help people to reach their full potential.
We have 17 apprentices working for us at West Devon & South Hams; we're proud to be providing opportunities for apprentices to learn and develop skills that will set them up for their future careers.
We’re on the lookout for Devon’s unsung heroes making valuable contributions to their communities in the 2026 West Devon Mayoral Awards - and nominations close next week.
Nominations are now open for the awards, which celebrate outstanding people deserving of public recognition for their unpaid work or contributions to their community in the borough. We want to hear from you about the individuals, groups and organisations making a difference where you live.
There are four categories in this year’s awards:
- The West Devon Mayoral Award for Under 18s
This award celebrates a noteworthy achievement of a person under the age of 18 living in West Devon.
- The West Devon Mayoral Award for Over 18s / organisation
The award for an adult or organisation in West Devon who have done something noteworthy or enhanced the borough’s reputation nationally.
This award recognises the work of individuals or groups who have made a significant contribution to conservation and protection of the West Devon natural environment.
- The Mayor’s Award for Long Service
The nominee should be a person (or people) who deserves to be recognised for their long service. It could be someone who’s been involved in a community group, volunteered locally or worked alone to improve the lives of people in West Devon.
The winners will receive their awards at a ceremony on 24 March at the Council’s offices at Kilworthy Park, in Tavistock.
If you know someone who you think is deserving of an award, you can complete a nomination form online, giving us details of why you have nominated them.
Nominations close on Friday 20 February.
Find out more and nominate here: www.westdevon.gov.uk/mayoral-awards
We are working in partnership with Business Information Point to deliver an in-depth study of the visitor economy across the borough.
The aim is simple but powerful: to understand what’s really happening on the ground, identify the biggest barriers facing tourism businesses, and ensure future investment and support genuinely meets local needs.
Join us at our Tourism Business Symposium at Kilworthy Park on 23 February to get your voice heard - click here to find out more.
Are you looking for a flexible role in a supportive and open culture? Join the Council! We have a number of exciting roles available for the right person.
Click the button below to see our current vacancies.
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