Local Government Reorganisation FAQs

What is the difference between Devolution, strategic authorities and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)?

Devolution and strategic authorities: This refers to the transfer of powers and funding from central government to new strategic authorities. 

The new Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority was established in February 2025. In the future, this could be replaced by a new strategic authority covering a much larger area - the whole of Devon or possibly further afield. It will have responsibilities linked to:

• transport and local infrastructure
• skills and employment
• housing and strategic planning
• economic development and regeneration
• environment and climate change
• health and wellbeing
• public safety. 

This authority will be led by an elected Mayor, voted for by you. They will work with the different unitary authorities in Devon to join up services and influence policies.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR): There is a two-tier council system in Devon with eight district and borough councils, two small unitary councils and the county council. As a result, different services are delivered by the district, borough unitary and county council.

The government wants all two-tier areas to reorganise into unitary authorities, serving larger populations. 

If this happens in Devon, the county council, as well as district and borough councils, will no longer exist and a new unitary council or councils will deliver all the services instead.

Therefore, Torridge would no longer operate as a District Council and will become part of a much larger unitary authority. 

This unitary authority will sit within the wider strategic authority covering the whole of Devon and possibly further afield. 

What is the Government's criteria for future unitary authorities?

Council proposals for new unitary councils should:

• Use existing district areas as the building blocks for proposals
• Aim to submit one proposal for the defined area 

Each proposed unitary area should:

• Aim for a population of 500,000 or more, or explain why a smaller population would better serve the area.
• Support devolution arrangements
• Meet local needs
• Prioritise high quality and sustainable public services

Can we stay as a district council?

We know that change can be difficult, but we can't opt out and will not be able to stay the same as we are. The Government has been clear that it wants to reorganise local government and it will make the final decision on how our new unitary councils are formed based on the proposals it receives. So if local government reform goes ahead, Torridge District Council will cease to exist regardless of if we submit a proposal or not. 

How many councils will there be in Devon after reorganisation?

It is not currently known how many councils there will be in Devon after reorganisation.

We are working with other local authorities in Devon to develop proposals that meet the criteria for new unitary councils that has been set by the UK Government. 

Once final proposals have been submitted the Government will decide how local government is restructured in Devon. 

Who will have the final say?

The final decision on proposals for Local Government Reorganisation will be taken by the Government.

Council leaders are responsible for holding discussions between different local authority areas, to help produce full proposals by 28 November 2025. 

These proposals must also be supported by evidence and widespread engagement. It will then be down to the government to consult formally.

Other than working together to bring forward plans and proposals for their area, councils will not get a say in the Government's final decision.

How will town and parish councils be affected?

Town and parish councils will continue to operate as they do now.

In its English Devolution White Paper, the Government confirmed that it wants to strengthen the relationship between town and parish councils and the new unitary councils.

In the meantime, we are committed to continuing our work with our towns and parish councils  to make sure they are in the best position possible to serve their local communities when the changes happen. We believe community voices must be represented and people should have influence over their place and valued community assets.