South Hams leader warns Devon council shake-up is a “nonsense”

New plans to reshape Devon’s local government map into four new unitary authorities have been criticised by South Hams Council leader Dan Thomas.

“The government does not understand or appreciate the needs of the county’s rural towns and villages or our coastal communities,” said Cllr Thomas (Lib Dem, Newton and Yealmpton).

Cllr Thomas, who also represents South Brent and Yealmpton on Devon County Council, said the plans were "flawed".

South Hams Council will be abolished along with the county’s other district councils and Devon County Council itself to make way for the new unitary authorities.

Parts of the current South Hams area will become part of an expanded Plymouth, while others will join an enlarged ‘Super Torbay’.

Parishes in the middle of the South Hams will become part of the proposed Devon Coast and Countryside authority, which would stretch from Prawle Point in the south to Ilfracombe in the north, and from the Cornwall border to the county boundary with Dorset.

“The notion that Dartmouth should be aligned to Ilfracombe while Kingswear residents become part of Torbay can only be a nonsense,” said Cllr Thomas.

Local government minister Steve Reed announced the reorganisation on Wednesday, with the Devon proposals following the model put forward by Plymouth and Exeter’s Labour-run councils.

Cllr Thomas said: “The decision to go ahead with the expansion of Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay is very much at the expense of the remaining parts of the county, and entirely at odds with the government’s stated aim of ensuring local government reorganisation meets the needs of all of Devon.

“It has failed to implement its plans for the devolution of powers and decision-making to local areas, while pressing ahead with the reorganisation of local government, which has the potential to undermine the foundations of local democracy and service delivery for years to come.

“It demonstrates a lack of understanding of what matters to our residents and businesses, and what will support growth and prosperity in our area.”

Cllr Thomas said he was “extremely disappointed” by the announcement, adding that the South Hams had a distinctly rural and coastal character and that the interests and priorities of its communities must be protected during the transition.

He said the priority would now be ensuring a smooth and well-managed transition that protects essential services.

“We will work closely with Devon’s other councils and the government to secure the best possible outcomes for our communities, ensuring that local identity, priorities and voices remain at the heart of local government here in Devon.

“We will keep residents fully informed as the transition progresses and will continue to deliver high-quality services throughout the reorganisation period.”