Devon faces a potential major council restructure. “1-5-4” plan considers mergers reducing eleven councils to three.
Someone suggested a “1-5-4” plan. Several Devon councils seem to like it and they will share the details soon. This plan involves some council mergers.
Plymouth is the “1” and stays as one council. It might grow eastward into South Hams a bit. The “5” combines some districts, including East, Mid, and North Devon. Exeter and Torridge also join this grouping.
The “4” creates another merged council. It includes South Hams and Teignbridge. West Devon and Torbay are also part of this council. The government wants to change things.
They want to get rid of the two-tier system. Right now, two councils handle different services covering the same area. The county council handles roads, while district councils handle trash.
The government wants fewer, bigger councils that each handle everything. They prefer councils covering 500,000 people. Smaller “growth areas” might get exceptions.
Councils have until March 21st to propose how to reorganize. They need fewer, bigger councils. Devon currently has eleven councils, but this could drop to three if the “1-5-4” plan works.
A source knows about these discussions. They said seven districts are working together, although Exeter wants to become its own council. Leaders seem to think the “1-5-4” plan could work because seven districts support it.
One problem is Plymouth’s boundary changes. Some think Plymouth should include Saltash, a controversial idea since Saltash is actually in Cornwall, not Devon.
Moving into South Hams is more likely. How far Plymouth goes is key. Devon County Council might have its own idea. It’s unclear if they like the “1-5-4” plan.