Proposed council areas

Government guidance on local government reorganisation says that new council areas need to:

Be created using existing boundaries
Create sensible economic areas with an appropriate tax base which does not disadvantage any one area
Create sensible geographic areas that help to increase housing supply and meet local needs for all of Devon
Be explained with a strong and well-reasoned case that reflects the identity and needs of every part of the county

How are the boundaries determined?

Devon is a vast county, with more than a million residents and a blend of coastal, rural and urban communities to consider.

Our largest towns and cities act as hubs for the economy, and are home to large institutions like universities, colleges, large businesses and our public sector agencies. There are complex relationships to consider, including travel to work patterns, shopping patterns, education provision and hospital catchments, alongside cultural and historical context.

With these relationships in mind, Reimagining Devon was created with a comprehensive, evidence-based process that considered financial sustainability, place-based services, and robust governance.

Reimagining Devon suggests the creation of three councils, which would deliver all the services in their area (unitary authorities):

Torbay and Southern Devon – South Hams, Teignbridge, Torbay and West Devon
Exeter and Northern Devon – East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon and Torridge
Plymouth – on its existing footprint