Bovey Tracey event offers Devon locals a say on council shake-up

Devon County Council is holding a public engagement event in Bovey Tracey to gather residents’ views on the government’s plans to restructure local government across the county.

The event will take place at Town Square, Bovey Tracey on Thursday 31 July from 8.30am to 10.30am as part of a wider series of 28 roadshow events taking place in towns across Devon.

Council Leader Councillor Julian Brazil has criticised the government’s approach to the reorganisation but said it provides an opportunity to improve how local services are delivered.

“I can’t say I’m particularly impressed with the process, but it does give us an opportunity to look at how services are delivered. It is our aim to try and achieve the best we can,” he said.

The government intends to abolish the current two-tier system of local government, comprising Devon County Council and the district councils, replacing them with single unitary authorities, some of which may be led by elected mayors.

At the Bovey Tracey event and others across the county, residents will be invited to prioritise the public services they value most and share what they would like to see more of in their communities.

In addition to these events, the council is running an online survey open until mid-October and meeting with key stakeholder groups to ensure a wide range of views are considered.

Councillor Brazil said: “As we plan for the future, we want to hear from you. Your feedback will help shape local policies, services, and investments to reflect the needs and priorities of our community.”

Proposals for the new local government structures must be submitted to the government by 28 November, ahead of a formal consultation on the final plans.