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Local Government Reorganisation
P003232 - 02 September 2026
Presentations: 1
Presenters: 1
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Economy
Local Government
At a Glance
This petition concerning local government reorganisation was presented to Parliament once by 1 MP.
Issue Summary
The petition addresses concerns over the Government's proposed reorganisation of local government in Devon, which petitioners argue does not adequately consider the needs and identities of rural communities and could lead to a democratic deficit.
Action Requested
The petitioners request that the House of Commons urge the Government to abandon its plans for local government reorganisation in the county of Devon.
Key Facts
- Over 4,200 signatures for a similar online petition
- Plans published in July by the Government
- Concerns about service delivery, local democracy, and local identity across rural communities
- Prime Minister's agreement to revisit the current plan
- Residents in South West Devon, South Devon, and across the county are showing strong opposition
- Potential for a two-tier Devon divided between urban and rural areas
Presentation Timeline
MPs presented this petition on the following dates. Each card shows the presenters and any recorded remarks.
Presented
02 September 2026
Rebecca Smith
Con
South West Devon
Further to a similar online petition of more than 4,200 signatures, I present this petition on local government reorganisation in Devon. The plans published in July by the Government appear to have been configured entirely to benefit the urban areas of Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay, and call into question service delivery, local democracy, and local identity across the county’s rural communities. Arguably there is no conceivable way that it can result in growth in every postcode. As a result I welcome the Prime Minister’s agreement yesterday to revisit the current plan, and my hope is that the strength of feeling shown by residents in South West Devon, south Devon, and across the county, will result in a meeting with Ministers to discuss a way forward that benefits the whole county, with local services that we can all be proud of, and that do not create a two-tier Devon of urban versus rural.
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