Devon MPs present petitions against local government reorganisation

MPs Rebecca Smith and Caroline Voaden are presenting petitions in Parliament today calling for the government to reverse planned local government reorganisation in Devon. The petitions have gathered over 6,000 signatures from residents concerned about the impact on their communities.

The government's plan involves replacing Devon's current two-tier structure of county and district councils with four authorities by 2028. This includes expanding the councils of Exeter and Plymouth, alongside Torbay, and creating a new Devon Council to manage services between Lynton and Salcombe.

Critics and petitioners have raised concerns regarding the division of communities, the future of vital services, democratic representation, council tax, and the financial viability of the new authority. In a previous consultation, the current proposal ranked fourth out of five options, receiving only 20% positive support. Under the proposed changes, Plymouth would expand into 13 South Hams parishes.