Devon Council urges UK government to follow expert advice on local restructure

Devon County Council leader Julian Brazil has called on the UK government to act on civil‑service advice as it decides the future structure of local government in Devon. He pointed to the recent reorganisation in Essex, where ministers chose a five‑unitary authority model despite officials recommending a three‑unitary option as more financially sustainable, a decision that Essex County Council says threatens services for vulnerable adults and children.

Brazil argued that Devon should adopt a single county‑wide unitary council, retaining the existing authorities in Plymouth and Torbay, to provide the scale and stability needed for frontline services and to withstand financial shocks. He warned that smaller, fragmented councils could struggle financially and jeopardise social care and children’s services. The council estimates the restructuring could cost between £50 million and £80 million, with no central government funding offered. A decision from ministers is expected within weeks.