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Local Government Reorganisation in Devon
P003231 - 07 September 2026
Presentations: 1
Presenters: 1
Children & Families
Local Government
At a Glance
This petition concerning local government reorganisation in devon was presented to Parliament once by 1 MP.
Issue Summary
The petition is about the government's decision to reorganise local councils in Devon by expanding the councils of Exeter, Plymouth, and Torbay while creating a large rural Devon council that spans over 80 miles, which residents and constituents believe is unworkable and puts rural areas at a disadvantage.
Action Requested
The petitioners request that the House of Commons urge the Government to reverse its decision on local government reorganisation in Devon and to reconsider alternative options.
Key Facts
- An online petition has been signed by 1,783 people.
- The rural Devon council would span a 100-mile drive from Lynton to Salcombe.
- Residents are concerned about the risk to vital local services, including children’s services, and the potential increase in council tax.
- A review of the decision is currently underway.
Presentation Timeline
MPs presented this petition on the following dates. Each card shows the presenters and any recorded remarks.
Presented
07 September 2026
Caroline Voaden
Lib Dem
South Devon
The Government recently backed a proposal to replace Devon’s councils with four unitary authorities, which would expand the councils of Exeter, Plymouth and Torbay while leaving an unworkable rural Devon council spanning a 100-mile drive from Lynton to Salcombe. An online petition about this issue has been signed by 1,783 people. I have been contacted by hundreds of constituents who are deeply concerned about the risk posed to vital local services.
Devolution should be built from the ground up, not imposed by Whitehall. The plan made a mockery of that. It is not what rural Devon wants. I appreciate that a review is now under way; I welcome it.
The petition states:
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