Councillors have unanimously backed a submission which sets out the council’s case for a new unitary authority which includes the city of Exeter.
The council will now submit its interim case for the creation of a new unitary authority incorporating the city of Exeter and adjacent areas after it gained cross-party support.
The submission recognises the urban and rural identity of Devon and highlights the need for up to four unitary authorities for the county.
This will capitalise on the region’s established strengths, drive economic and housing growth and deliver better services for communities and residents.
The city’s interim case recognises that Devon is a large geographical area with small, dispersed populations balanced by two major urban centres in Exeter and Plymouth.
It emphasises the importance of reflecting these unique characteristics through local government reorganisation that delivers clear benefits for Exeter and Devon.
Councillors backed the submission at an Extraordinary Council meeting at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum on Thursday. They praised the council’s Chief Executive and officers for completing the detailed report in only five weeks.
Council Leader Phil Bialyk said he welcomed the cross-party support for Exeter’s submission and said there was now a once in a generation opportunity to improve services for all residents in Devon.
Cllr Bialyk said: “Exeter is very distinct from Devon’s rural and coastal communities – everybody knows that.
“It is vital we retain our sense of place and prioritise economic growth, using the strength of our city as the catalyst for growth in the rest of Devon.
“As councillors representing residents and communities in this great city, we must all embrace the opportunity to deliver improved outcomes for those we serve.”
He added: “We’re ready to work with neighbouring councils, town and parish councils and all the residents and communities they represent.
“Their input will be vital in ensuring reorganisation delivers on the ambition to empower local communities.”
Full engagement will now take place with communities to ensure the proposals are genuinely shaped by local views.
Councillors heard that boundaries have not been included in the interim submission until the planned period of public engagement has been completed.
After consultation has taken place, boundaries will be detailed in the council’s full business case in November.
Chief Executive Bindu Arjoon said: “A unitary council that includes the City of Exeter and adjacent areas has been a long-held ambition of this council.
“It would enhance service delivery by streamlining governance, reducing duplication, and ensuring a place-based approach to policy making.
“The new unitary would be an essential step in delivering better services for residents.
“Engaging with stakeholders and communities from April is a key priority, to ensure their voices are heard and their priorities understood.
“I want to thank members for the support they have shown and all the officers who have worked so hard on our submission.”
A full business case will be submitted before the end of November.
The submission is available to read at: https://committees.exeter.gov.uk/documents/s98437/APPENDIX%20A%20-%20Exeter%20City%20Council%20Interim%20Submission%20FINAL.pdf
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