Devon local government reorganisation criticised by council leaders and MP

UK government minister Steve Reed announced a restructuring of Devon's local government that will replace the county council and existing district authorities with four large unitary bodies. The plan creates an expanded Plymouth authority, an enlarged Exeter authority, a new "Super Torbay" that will incorporate parts of South Hams and Teignbridge, and a Devon Coast and Countryside authority covering the remaining rural areas.

South Hams council leader Dan Thomas (Lib Dem) called the scheme "flawed" and said it fails to understand the needs of Devon's rural towns, villages and coastal communities, warning it could undermine local democracy and service delivery. Liberal Democrat MP Caroline Voaden echoed these concerns, arguing the reorganisation prioritises urban centres, threatens vulnerable children, raises council tax and risks breaking up children's services. Both officials urged the government to reconsider the proposals.

The controversy centers on how the new unitary boundaries will affect representation, funding and public services for many residents across Devon.