Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council urges people to make sure they have their say on the 'once in a lifetime' local government reorganisation

Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, has issued a statement on the Government consultation on the reorganisation of local government in Devon.

Councillor Ken James, said:

"The Government consultation is your last chance to influence how your area is governed for future decades and we want as many residents as possible to have their say.

"The consultation is seeking views on proposals that would change how council services are delivered across Devon from 2028, replacing the current two-tier system of county and district councils with new unitary authorities. District councils, like Torridge District Council, currently deliver essential local services including waste and recycling collections, planning, environmental health, housing and homelessness, all shaped around local need and demand - they also make a significant contribution to the spirit and wellbeing of our local communities. Decisions affecting local services are taken as close as possible to the communities they serve, by people with strong local knowledge and an understanding of their areas.

"This is all set to change.  Torridge District Council, alongside six other districts, has supported the Reimagining Devon Proposal, which is one of a number of options being considered.  We believe the 4-5-1 and 4-5-1+ proposals will create balanced authorities which can thrive and ensure no community is left behind. This proposal would see Devon reorganised into three unitary authorities, including a new authority covering Exeter and North Devon. A modified version of this proposal has also been submitted which would see Plymouth remain a standalone unitary authority with a modest expansion of its boundaries.

Following a great deal of collaborative work across political and geographic boundaries we believe that we have created a structure that is financially robust, reflects Devon's unique geography and identity, and will deliver high-quality, accessible public services in the heart of our communities. 

We have been assured by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government that every response will be treated equally, so I would strongly encourage every resident, business, local voluntary sector partner, parish and town council across Torridge to complete the consultation.

Details of all five proposals and links to the UK Government's consultation can be found at www.devonlgr.co.uk or by heading directly to the consultation page on gov.uk.

Feb 26