Exeter urged to ‘be brave’ in push for stand-alone unitary council

Exeter has voted overwhelmingly to pursue bold plans to become a stand-alone unitary authority as part of a major shake-up of local government across Devon.

City councillors backed the proposal almost unanimously – with just one abstention – in a move that could see Exeter absorb 49 neighbouring parish communities. These include 28 in East Devon, 15 in Teignbridge and six in Mid Devon, all described as areas that naturally look to Exeter for work and leisure.

Council leader Phil Bialyk (Lab, Exwick) told colleagues:

“I believe that Exeter has a responsibility to lead. Not to demand, not to dictate, but to lead with clarity, humility and deep respect for the communities around us.
We need to find the best possible option for all of Devon.”

If approved, the plan would increase Exeter’s population to more than 250,000, meeting government criteria for one of its new unitary authorities. However, the proposal sits alongside rival models from other Devon councils.

Most district councils favour a so-called ‘1-5-4’ model, in which Plymouth would stand alone while two new larger councils would be created: one made up of Exeter, East Devon, Mid Devon, Torridge and North Devon; and another combining Torbay, Teignbridge, South Hams and West Devon.

But Torbay has indicated it wants its own separate unitary status, with one Torbay councillor describing Exeter’s move as “a huge rock thrown into the pool”.

Under Exeter’s vision, Plymouth and Exeter would both stand alone, while the remainder of Devon would be merged into a vast coast-to-coast authority stretching from the tip of the South Hams to the northern edge of the county.

A report to the city council said the strategy reflected Exeter’s role as a major urban hub, with strengths in housing growth, innovation, education, climate science and transport links.

Councillors from across the chamber voiced support for the city’s ambition, while stressing the importance of protecting local representation.

Cllr Michael Mitchell (Lib Dem, Duryard and St James) said:

“This is the start of a journey, but the destination is still unclear.”

He added that strong town and parish councils would be essential to ensure local issues were prioritised under any new unitary model.

Cllr Laura Wright (Lab, St Thomas) told the meeting:

“This isn’t about Exeter swallowing up the surrounding areas. These are areas which already have a strong local connection. It makes so much sense.”

Cllr Ruth Williams (Lab, Mincinglake and Whipton) criticised the alternative proposals:

“Some of the other options favoured by other councils were a ‘back of a fag packet effort’. How can they think that clumping five districts and four districts together is going to work for those residents?
No thought seems to have been put into it at all.”

And Cllr Josie Parkhouse (Lab, Pennsylvania) added:

“This is our chance to lead. Let’s seize it.”

The next stage will see six weeks of public engagement before all councils must submit their preferred option to government by 28th November. Ministers will then decide the final structure of Devon’s local government.

Elections to the new councils are scheduled for May 2027, with councillors operating in a “shadow” capacity until the new authorities formally take control in May 2028.