Exeter remains confident in case for Local Government Reorganisation
Political leaders in Exeter have reaffirmed their support for the proposed new Exeter unitary authority following the Government’s decision to pause and review Local Government Reorganisation in Devon.
While recognising the Government’s decision to review the process, the city believes the existing proposal remains the right approach for Exeter and the wider area, with the potential to deliver better joined up public services, stronger communities, sustainable economic growth, new homes and jobs.
Steve Race MP said:
“Local Government Reorganisation is an important opportunity for our city and our region, so it’s vital that the process is robust.
“The existing proposal is still the right approach for all of our communities, and will unlock sustainable growth, jobs, housing, and better services.
“I have also been clear that I want maximum devolution for Devon, but that has to include Exeter as a constituent member of any new strategic authority.”
The proposal developed by Exeter and Plymouth would bring services currently delivered by different tiers of local government together, creating an opportunity to make them simpler and more responsive and strengthen local accountability.
The city believes a new authority could better reflect how people actually live their lives, with communities increasingly connected across existing council boundaries through work, education, housing, leisure and access to services.
Crucially, the proposal also recognises the importance of the towns, villages and communities around Exeter retaining their individual identities and having a strong voice in the new authority.
Cllr Phil Bialyk, Leader of Exeter City Council, said:
“I’m disappointed that Exeter’s long wait for unitary status will now be delayed while this review takes place, but I understand why the new administration needs to be satisfied that the right decisions have been made and the right processes followed.
“We need to get this right because it is too good an opportunity to miss, not just for Exeter but for communities across Devon.
“This isn’t about lines on a map. It is about better services, stronger communities and making sure the benefits of growth and investment are shared across our area.”
Exeter’s position remains that Local Government Reorganisation represents a significant opportunity to modernise local government, bring services closer together and give Exeter and the surrounding communities a strong voice in the future of Devon.
The city will now engage constructively with the Government’s review while continuing to make the case for the existing proposal.
