Unitary submission drives growth and delivers for residents and communities

Exeter City Council will embrace the opportunity to work with neighbouring councils to ensure local government reorganisation delivers outcomes for local communities.

The council is proposing that reorganisation recognises the urban and rural identity of Devon, which may result in up to four unitary authorities for the county, including a new unitary incorporating the city of Exeter and adjacent areas.

This will capitalise on the region’s established strengths, drive economic and housing growth and deliver for communities.

The proposal recognises that Devon is a large geographical area with small, dispersed populations balanced by two major urban centres in Exeter and Plymouth.

The submission emphasises the importance of reflecting these unique characteristics through local government reorganisation that delivers clear benefits for Exeter and Devon.

Councillors will discuss the submission at an Extraordinary Council meeting on Thursday. At a meeting in January councillors gave unanimous cross-party support to build the case for a unitary authority which includes the city of Exeter.

If councillors support Exeter’s submission, it will be sent to the government on March 21 in line with the requirement set out by government.  A full business case will be submitted before the end of November.

Recognising the need for change, collaboration and an opportunity to deliver improved outcomes and deliver value for money for Devon, Exeter will engage with communities to ensure the proposals are genuinely shaped by local views.

Cllr Philip Bialyk, Leader of Exeter City Council, said: “Local government reorganisation means change for everyone, for all councils in our area. New councils representing new geographical boundaries will emerge. 

“Representing the city of Exeter, we embrace the opportunity to deliver improved outcomes and we’re ready to work with city-wide stakeholders, neighbouring councils - including town and parish councils - whose input will be vital in ensuring reorganisation delivers on the ambition to empower local communities.

“Our submission rules out the 1-5-4 model proposed by some Devon districts, which has been developed without input from Exeter.”

Chief Executive Bindu Arjoon said: “Exeter is distinct from Devon’s market towns and rural communities, and it is vital we retain this sense of place and prioritise the economic growth using the strength of our city as the catalyst.

“Our submission deliberately does not set out any proposed boundaries – it is too early. We must first engage with our local communities.

“We remain dedicated to cooperation and taking this evidence-led submission forward in line with the government’s commitments to strengthen local decision-making, enhancing democratic accountability and improving service delivery for all residents.”

The submission recognises Exeter as one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK, well-placed to accelerate economic and housing growth in the South West. 

The submission is available to read at

https://committees.exeter.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=261&MId=7850&Ver=4