Local Government Reorganisation in Devon

The Government recently backed a proposal to replace Devon’s councils with four unitary authorities, which would expand the councils of Exeter, Plymouth and Torbay while leaving an unworkable rural Devon council spanning a 100-mile drive from Lynton to Salcombe. An online petition about this issue has been signed by 1,783 people. I have been contacted by hundreds of constituents who are deeply concerned about the risk posed to vital local services. Devolution should be built from the ground up, not imposed by Whitehall. The plan made a mockery of that. It is not what rural Devon wants. I appreciate that a review is now under way; I welcome it. The petition states: “The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to reverse its decision on local government reorganisation in Devon and to reconsider alternative options. And the petitioners remain, etc.” Following is the full text of the petition: [The petition of residents of the United Kingdom, Declares that the Government's decision to accept the proposal to expand Exeter, Plymouth and Torbay's councils and to create a rural Devon Council spanning over 80 miles from Lynton to Salcombe is unworkable and puts rural Devon at great disadvantage; further declares that the proposed reorganisation risks breaking up children's services which could put vulnerable children at greater risk, could lead to increased council tax, and would undermine local accountability; and further declares that devolution should be built from the ground up, shaped by local knowledge and consent. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to reverse its decision on local government reorganisation in Devon and to reconsider alternative options. And the petitioners remain, etc.] [P003231]