Major shake-up could see Devon councils merge under huge new authority plan

Devon’s district councils have joined forces to respond to government plans to overhaul how local councils operate, a change that could reshape services across West Devon and the Dartmoor area.

In December 2024, the UK Government announced plans to simplify local government in counties like Devon, which currently has a two-tier system with a county council and district councils.

Under the new model, councils are being asked to create unitary authorities, which are single councils responsible for all local services.

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Seven district councils (East Devon, West Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Mid Devon, North Devon and Torridge) have worked together on a proposal, known as the 4-5-1 model, with input from Torbay Council.

Under the plan, West Devon towns Tavistock and Okehampton, Teignbridge towns Ashburton, Bovey Tracey, Chagford, Chudleigh and South Hams towns Ivybridge and Buckfastleigh would all fall within the same new authority as Torbay.

Meanwhile, Exeter would join East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon and Torridge under a separate council, and Plymouth would remain a standalone unitary authority.

According to the councils, the plan reflects “Devon’s natural communities, travel-to-work areas, and economic geographies,” and aims to deliver “more coherent planning, stronger service delivery, and a unified voice for the county.”

If approved, West Devon Borough Council would merge into a larger unitary authority, which would mean services such as planning, housing, waste and community support would be managed under one new council.

For Dartmoor, which spans parts of West Devon, South Hams and Teignbridge, the new structure could lead to more consistent decision-making on land management, rural development and conservation across the National Park.

The councils say “community hubs” would help maintain local access to services and strengthen ties with town and parish councils, keeping decisions connected to local people.

In a joint statement, the council leaders said: “We are committed to creating councils that are built around people and place, reflecting the unique geography, economy and identity of Devon and giving its residents services they can be proud of for generations to come.

Our proposal aims to create a more effective and financially sustainable local government for Devon by aligning council boundaries with real communities and local economies. The new structure will deliver better, more integrated high-quality public services, while ensuring decisions are made closer to residents and reflect local needs.”

The councils have gathered feedback from nearly 6,000 residents, businesses and community groups during consultations.

Further engagement events will continue through the autumn before the full “case for change” is submitted to the Government by Friday, 28 November 2025.

If approved, any reorganisation would be one of the biggest changes to local government in Devon for decades, potentially reshaping how decisions are made for communities from Dartmoor to the South Hams and from Torridge to Teignbridge.