'Emotional' decision to scrap Devon's councils and replace them with 'mega-authority'
A special debate has been taking place on the eve of a Government deadline to state what the future council structure in Devon should look like
Last updated 9th Jan 2025
A controversial vote today has resulted in May's local council elections in Devon being postponed.
It's after the Government said it wanted councils across the county to join together - and potentially accept a mayor for Devon and Cornwall in return for new money and powers.
Devon's district councils - such as East Devon, North Devon and The South Hams -oppose the plans. The Government now needs to formally approve the request to delay the election in May,
Devon County Council leader John McInnes, Conservative, opened today's special meeting calling it an 'emotional' decision and something they have no choice in.
He told members that by postponing the elections staff would get more certainty and councillors could work better together to decide what 'solution' they wanted.
Devon County Labour Councillor Rob Hannaford also called today's decision 'emotional' and highlighted the likely impact on staff having to re-apply for their jobs.
Councillor Julian Brazil, Lib Dem, told the debate he would accept an elected 'Devon and Cornwall' mayor if needed - but adding 'we've been told to create mega councils of over 500,000 people in rural Devon as we've been told that's the best way to deliver rural services and democracy based on management consultants and not local elected officials'. He criticised the lack of facts and examples in the Government report - citing 'vague ambitions' and no clear costing.
Other members claimed Devon was not a 'priority' for the new Labour Government, citing examples of a rural services grant being pulled just before Christmas and setting Devon County Council's budget decision process back.
Green Councillor Jacqi Hodgson questioned the 'likely costs' of reducing the workforce suggesting 'this isn't devolution, it's a mess' and adding: "Why hasn't this been out to consultation? I suggest it's because the Prime Minister knows the answer."
A report ahead of the meeting can be found here
A council-written 'impact report' can be found here
Devon currently has eight district councils and a county council, as well as separate unitary councils in Plymouth and Torbay.
One councillor told the debate there's confusion from some about which council does one - making a single council 'simpler' but adding 'it's not clear how that's going to work'.
Lib Dem leader Councillor Alan Connett said on the idea of 'organisational change' that 'they cost more than you think and save less than you want'. He told the members that he thought 'change was coming' but urged caution and said councils should not 'rush in'. That view was shared by fellow lib Dem Alistair Dewhirst.