Benefits of our proposal

A model designed to work for every community in Devon

The proposal to reorganise local government into four new unitary councils is not simply an administrative change. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a system that delivers better public services, supports growth, protects rural identity, and provides long-term financial sustainability across all of Devon. This section explains in clear, practical terms what the benefits are - for residents, for communities, and for the county as a whole.

Unlocking growth for urban areas

Devon’s three urban centres - Exeter, Plymouth and Torbay - are the economic engines of the county. They drive jobs, skills, innovation and investment. Yet each of them is currently constrained by tight administrative boundaries that date back more than fifty years.

1. Removing boundary constraints

Under the current system, these cities are confined to small boundaries that cut them off from their natural economic and housing markets. As a result:

housing growth in areas like Cranbrook and Exmouth happens outside city boundaries
transport planning is fragmented
key decisions are split across several councils
tax bases are imbalanced, limiting investment opportunities
cities cannot properly plan for long-term growth

By expanding the unitary areas of Exeter, Plymouth and Torbay, the new model aligns boundaries with the real communities who rely on these cities for work, study, transport and services.

2. Supporting sustainable development

Larger, more coherent urban authorities will be able to:

plan housing, jobs and infrastructure in a joined-up way
manage the pressures of population growth
coordinate active travel, bus services and major road corridors
support the delivery of truly sustainable neighbourhoods

3. Strengthening Devon’s economic future

A modernised, place-based structure creates stronger foundations for clean growth, innovation and climate leadership. This draws on the strengths of:

Exeter’s knowledge economy, university and environmental intelligence sector
Plymouth’s marine industries and national naval base
Torbay’s high-tech manufacturing and coastal economy

A governance system aligned to real travel-to-work areas and economic geographies helps create the conditions for inward investment, new skills programmes and stronger business confidence.

Supporting rural and coastal Devon

While the cities drive growth, the majority of Devon’s geography - and many of its unique strengths - are found in rural and coastal areas. These places face distinct challenges:

an ageing population
limited access to services
long travel distances
low wages and seasonal employment
housing affordability pressures
gaps in digital connectivity

A dedicated Devon Coast & Countryside Unitary Council

Creating a unitary authority specifically designed around rural and coastal needs gives these communities a stronger voice and a more focused service model.

This council would be able to:

tailor adult social care and children’s services to dispersed populations
strengthen local community resilience
improve access to public transport in areas with limited provision
support sustainable tourism, agriculture and environmental stewardship
protect the character of towns, villages and landscapes

Unlike models that risk merging rural areas under large urban authorities, this structure ensures that rural identity is protected and rural priorities remain central.

Better, simpler public services

Residents consistently told us they find the current two-tier system confusing. Services such as waste collection, planning, licensing, housing, roads, leisure and environmental health are split between different councils, leading to duplication and inconsistency.

One council per area = clarity for residents

Under the new system, each of the four unitaries will be responsible for every local service in their area. This means:

one website
one customer service point
one decision-making body
no more being passed between councils
simpler, faster and more coherent services

A single accountable tier will deliver:

integrated highways and transport systems
unified waste and recycling services
single-footprint planning, building control and housing
coordinated climate, nature recovery and flood management
simplified enforcement and licensing
joined-up community safety and anti-social behaviour response
a seamless digital “front door” for residents

Improved customer experience

Residents will experience clearer processes, fewer handoffs, and decisions that reflect their local area’s needs.

Financial resilience and sustainability

Devon’s current two-tier system is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain financially. Piecemeal budgets, duplicated costs and fragmented services place pressure on councils and limit the ability to invest in long-term priorities.

Independent financial modelling across Devon’s councils shows:

Balanced, sustainable tax bases

Each of the four councils in the proposed model has:

a population within the Government’s preferred range
a fair distribution of tax-raising capacity
balanced geography that avoids creating “winners and losers”
the ability to withstand financial shock
sufficient scale to transform services and reduce duplication

Savings and efficiency

A single tier of local government reduces overlap in:

senior management
back-office functions
separate IT systems
procurement
estates and assets
policy and strategic planning

These efficiencies help fund transformational improvements to front-line services and support longer-term financial health.

Strengthening democratic accountability

1. Clearer responsibilities

With one council delivering all services locally, residents will know exactly who is responsible for what. This is a major benefit compared to the current system, where responsibilities are split between districts and the county.

2. Neighbourhood Area Committees

New Neighbourhood Area Committees in each unitary will:

bring decision-making closer to communities
give residents a stronger say
support local priorities
allow for community-led projects
encourage participation in local democracy

These committees ensure local voices are not only heard but formally embedded into the governance of the new councils.

3. Councils designed around real communities

The four-unitary model strengthens the democratic link between people and place by aligning councils with functional areas rather than outdated lines on a map.

A system that works for everyone

Whether you live in a city, town, village or coastal community, the benefits of the four-unitary model are clear:

better services
simpler access
more local decision-making
fairer use of public money
stronger towns and cities
protection for rural identity
a resilient, future-proof system of local government

This proposal is built on extensive evidence, stakeholder feedback and a clear vision: a Devon where services work seamlessly, where local character is protected, and where every community has the opportunity to thrive.