Devon to replace 11 councils with four new unitary authorities

The UK government confirmed a major reorganisation of local government in Devon, replacing the county’s eleven existing councils with four new unitary authorities that will take effect in 2028. Plymouth will absorb 13 parishes from the South Hams, Exeter will expand to include 15 parishes from Teignbridge, 28 from East Devon and six from Mid Devon, and Torbay will take on 22 parishes from Teignbridge and the South Hams. The remaining area will form a new “coast and countryside” council. All eight district councils created in 1972 and Devon County Council, established in 1889, will be abolished. Elections for the new authorities are expected next year.

Local officials criticised the plan. Liberal Democrat leader of Devon County Council Julian Brazil said Devon had been “betrayed”, while Teignmouth councillor David Cox called the restructuring “a dog’s dinner”. Critics warn the changes could increase costs for residents and disrupt services such as adult social care, children’s services, waste collection and road maintenance.