West Devon Borough Council

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Announcement delayed on Devon 'unitary' proposals

A decision on proposals for Devon which could lead to the biggest upheaval in local government for a generation has been delayed until mid-February.

The Boundary Committee is deliberating on whether to abolish all eight district councils in Devon, including West Devon Borough Council, and create a giant unitary council for the whole county, excluding Torbay and Plymouth.

The Committee was due to make a recommendation to the Secretary of State on the proposals by December 31. However, the Secretary of State has allowed an extension on the deadline and it's now expected a recommendation from the Boundary Committee will be made on February 13, 2009. The Secretary of State is not expected to make any final decision until March 2009 at the earliest.

The Committee consulted on the draft reorganisation in the summer which includes a further proposal for one unitary council covering Exeter and Exmouth and one covering the rest of Devon, again without changes to Plymouth and Torbay.

Almost 5,500 people and organisations responded to the consultation and more than two-thirds - 68% of respondents - are against a unitary Devon.

Click here for full details of the Boundary Committee's Devon proposal.

Click here for West Devon's submission to the Boundary Committee.

Click here for all West Devon press releases on the Local Government Review for Devon

Click here for information on support and guidance in the current economic climate

Keep up with the latest news from West Devon with the Winter edition of West Devon Connect.

It's your up-to-date guide to what's happening in the borough and is packed with hot topics including registering your views on next year's budget, top tips how to keep 'green' this Christmas and a safety guide to make sure you enjoy your festive meal!

Click here for more...