Declares that the Government’s decision to accept the proposal to expand Exeter, Plymouth and Torbay’s councils and to create a rural Devon Council spanning over 80 miles from Lynton to Salcombe is unworkable and puts rural Devon at great disadvantage; further declares that the proposed reorganisation risks breaking up children’s services which could put vulnerable children at greater risk, could lead to increased council tax, and would undermine local accountability; and further declares that devolution should be built from the ground up, shaped by local knowledge and consent.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to reverse their decision on local government reorganisation in Devon and to reconsider alternative options.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Caroline Voaden, Official Report, 2 September 2026; Vol. 790, c. 834.]
[P003231]
A petition in the same terms was presented by the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith) [P003232].
Observations from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Jim McMahon):
This Government remain committed to reform and local government reorganisation. Strong and sustainable local government structures are vital to our devolution ambitions, and the Government remain of the view that single-tier, unitary local authorities generally provide a more effective and efficient foundation for local government.
On 7 September 2026, the Secretary of State announced a rapid review of the local government reorganisation programme. The first phase of the review has now concluded that the basis of the programme remains robust and that the existing criteria continue to support the Government’s priorities. The Government therefore remain committed to delivering local government reorganisation using those criteria.
The previous decision for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay has been withdrawn to allow more time for consideration. All options and proposals for the area remain under consideration, and the withdrawal does not predetermine the final outcome.
The Government recognise the strength of feeling about local government reorganisation and will continue to consider the evidence and representations received.
Councils will be informed at the earliest practical opportunity once consideration of their area is complete. The Government will update the House on a further set of outcomes by Christmas, and every area will have an outcome by early next year.