Devon County Council have prepared this briefing for DALC members providing an update on local government reorganisation.

Parish and town councils are the tier of local government closest to the electorate with a range of powers that make a difference to towns, villages across the county. The Civic Agreement between Devon County Council and the Devon Association of Local Councils recognises the critical role of precepting councils, at all tiers of local government, in local service delivery and place-shaping. With a shared commitment to vibrant local governance, both parties aim to foster good relations and collaboration between our organisations, between councils, and the elected members, officers, and communities they represent.

The Government is planning a large-scale programme of local government restructuring in England. It is facilitating local government reorganisation in each of the 21 two tier areas and wants to deliver the process as quickly as possible.

On 5 February 2025 the Minister of State for Local Government wrote to the Leaders (including Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council) of all the principal councils in Devon to formally invite proposals for local government reorganisation. He asked for interim plans to be submitted by 21 March 2025 and final proposals by 28 November 2025. If, having considered proposals, the Government decides to implement any of them, the necessary legislation will need to be approved by Parliament and “shadow” unitary councils established.

Proposed new unitary authorities will be required to:

1. a) have a population of 500,000 or more “as a guiding principle”, with exceptions requiring a clear rationale
   b) “prioritise the delivery of high quality and sustainable public services to citizens”
   c) “show how councils in the area have sought to work together in coming to a view that meets local needs and is informed by local views”
   d) “support devolution arrangements”
   e) “Enable stronger community engagement and deliver genuine opportunity for neighbourhood empowerment”.

The Minister’s letter says that existing district areas should be considered the building blocks for proposals, but “where there is a strong justification more complex boundary changes will be considered.”

Members of Devon County Council will consider a proposed interim plan that sets out a range of options at their meeting on 20 March 2025. It is available on this webpage – Agenda for Council on Thursday, 20th March, 2025, 2.00 pm – Democracy in Devon. Each of the possible patterns for future unitary local government recognises the vital role that town and parish councils play in the communities that they represent.

The new County Council will be elected on 1 May 2025 and it will be for those members to determine which option/s to take forward and in light of Government feedback and clarity on some areas within the guidance.

In developing the proposal over coming months, the County Council will engage town and parish councils and the Devon Association of Local Councils. This will include discussion and exploration of a range of issues including:

• Precepting and council tax
• Devolving assets and/or services
• Neighbourhood planning
• Supporting town and parish council in working

The anticipated timetable is currently:

• 21 March 2025: Submission of interim plan to Government.
• April/May 2025: Further development and collaborative work on options and feedback from Government on interim plan.
• June to November 2025: Work and engagement of key partners (eg NHS, national parks authorities, police) on full proposal/s for single local government structure across Devon and submission to Government by 28 November 2025.
• December 2025 – March 2026: Ministerial decision on the best option for single local government structure across Devon
• March 2026 – March 2027: Government consultation on any proposal. Parliamentary legislation. Transition planning and implementation.
• April 2027: Elections to shadow unitary council/s.
• April 2028: Vesting of unitary council/s.

This timetable is speculative and likely to change.

The County Council and DALC will work jointly over coming months to develop a proposal/s that would enable a new unitary structure to engage and empower local communities. Alongside thinking about the future structure of local government in Devon, the County Council also wants to further develop it relationships with local councils and communities and explore opportunities to develop local services and assets.

Further information

https://www.devon.gov.uk/devolution-and-lgr/

Thank you so much to all those councils who have sent in their pen portraits, especially all the many smaller councils who have responded. It makes such a difference to hear directly from you about the kinds of communities you represent, the work that you do as a council and what your aspirations are.

There is an impressive singularity of approach that is shared by all the councils that have responded:  they care about their communities; they know their communities; they are proud of their communities. This is a great bedrock on which to build local governance.

What you actually do varies immensely but there are several common themes.  We are currently working on analysing the information into a comprehensive form that will demonstrate the contribution our local councils make to all the parished areas of the county, and the significance of the sector as a whole.  When we have something ready it will be sent out to member councils so that you can see what an impressive body you are a part of.

We are already building a picture but it’s not too late to send in a pen portrait of your council if you want to be included.  Three questions: What is important to your community – what makes it tick?  What do you do now for your community?  What would you like to for your community, given the chance?

I look forward to meeting councils again next month for updates and further information on LGR.  The key information is that 21^st March is not a final end date for proposals to government for unitaries for Devon. It is more a ‘this is what we’re thinking so far’ stage.  The real date is 28^th November but more about that when we update you in April.

Devolution Update Meetings

We will be hosting two meetings for our membership in April to provides updates on what we know at that point. The planned dates are:

• 1 April, 2pm – 3.30pm, Larger Councils – Click here to register
• 8 April, 10am – 11.30am, Smaller Councils – Click here to register

Please register your place and pop the date in your diaries.

Following the launch of the Devolution White Paper on 16th December 2024, DALC has been working hard to engage with our members on this topic, and to provide support and updates where we can.

We will endeavour to keep our members up to date on what we know about devolution as matters in Devon progress. Local government reorganisation (LGR) is being required by government in order to achieve the kind of Devolution deal they want to see. Updates will be circulated in our e-bulletin, and on our website.

At the moment, we have no information about what reorganisation might look like in Devon. The Leaders of Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council are working together to explore the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority.

The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA) – the governance needed for devolved decision-making powers and funding to flow from Whitehall to local decision-makers in Devon and Torbay – is now official.

Following a meeting of our larger councils on 23 January 2025, and our smaller councils on 30 January 2025, steps that DALC are already taking include:

• Working with NALC and other county associations to share knowledge and best practice
• We have asked NALC to lobby for funding package for local councils to assist with asset transfers
• We have submitted a request for legal advice to NALC on asset transfers
• We have asked NALC for examples of best practice in terms of devolution
• We have requested that NALC deliver a briefing for all DALC councils
• We have requested that Devon County Council provide a briefing for all DALC councils
• We will continue to engage with district councils wherever possible
• We will continue to keep you updated

We have asked encouraged member councils to carry out asset mapping in their communities. Thanks to all councils that submitted statements to help us build an evidence base, we are very grateful for your assistance in this matter.

Devolution Update Meetings

We will be hosting two meetings for our membership in April to provides updates on what we know at that point. The planned dates are:

• 1 April, 2pm – 3.30pm, Larger Councils – Click here to register
• 8 April, 10am – 11.30am, Smaller Councils – Click here to register

Please register your place and pop the date in your diaries.

District Briefings

We understand some of the district councils are organising briefings for their parish and town councils in membership. We have listed below the ones we’re aware of; if you need more details then please contact your district.

West Devon | Monday 24th March | online or in-person TBC.

Teignbridge | 25th March | online

Some resources are provided below.

DALC

Devolution and the White Paper smaller council meeting notes 30.01.25

Chat summary – smaller councils meeting 30.1.25

DALC Briefing Slide Smaller Councils

Devolution and the White Paper Larger Council Forum notes 23.01.25

DALC Chair’s Blog

12th March – devonalc.org.uk/news/chairs-blog-12-03-25/

19th February – devonalc.org.uk/news/chairs-blog-19-02-25/

29th January – devonalc.org.uk/news/chairs-blog-29-01-25/

15th January – devonalc.org.uk/news/chairs-blog-15-01-25/

Open letter – devonalc.org.uk/news/open-letter-dalc-chair-2/

NALC

NALC slides on the Devolution White Paper including timeline

NALCS presentation to the National Assembly, 30 January 2025  on the English Devolution White Paper

NALC welcomes government clarification on parish and town council in local government reorganisation proposals

General

University of Exeter Report on parish and town councils in Cornwall following devolution

Devon County Council Briefings

March 2025 – devonalc.org.uk/news/dcc-lgr-briefing-march-2025/

Mid Devon

Message to Towns and Parishes on LGR from Mid Devon

Devon

Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority

The Local Government Association Hub – Devolution

DALC has issued its response to the public consultation on the proposed Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA).

DALC’s response addresses key themes such as governance and decision-making, resources, and engagement with PTCs and communities.

In terms of governance and decision-making, DALC supports the transfer of functions and funding from central government to local government, advocating for greater local autonomy. We welcome the creation of a democratically accountable body to deliver a devolution deal for Devon, and emphasise the importance of wider democratic involvement and collaborative decision-making.

DALC also raises concerns about resources, highlighting the need for clarity on the short and longer-term resource requirements for the CCA. We stress the importance of sustainable funding beyond the initial government allocation and express reservations about burdening constituent councils with additional financial responsibilities.

Engagement between the CCA and PTCs is another crucial aspect addressed in DALC’s response. We emphasise the importance of strengthening relationships between PTCs and constituent councils, advocating for improved recognition and engagement of PTCs as equal partners in local governance.

While acknowledging the evolving nature of the government’s devolution agenda, DALC expresses support for the creation of the CCA and its potential to facilitate further devolution opportunities in the future. We advocate for direct access to government funding and enabling powers for PTCs to better serve their communities.

DALC’s response underscores the importance of collaborative and inclusive governance structures that empower local communities and ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes.

As the consultation period progresses, DALC remains committed to advocating for the interests of PTCs and working towards a more inclusive and effective local governance framework for Devon and Torbay.

We encourage all our member councils to engage in the consultation, and to promote the consultation within your communities.  The consultation closes on 24th March 2024.  Find out more at www.devontorbaydeal.org.uk

A six-week devolution consultation launched on 12 February with proposals to set up a Combined County Authority, a new decision-making body which would oversee new funds and powers transferred from Whitehall to Devon and Torbay.

Devolution Deal Proposal Key Benefits

• Local priorities. The Government is offering local decisions for local priorities and a stronger voice to influence future policy; proposing to transfer more power to Devon and Torbay to enable decisions to be taken locally on things that matter to local people such as building more affordable homes, improving public transport and investing in new quality jobs and skills.
• Skills. Local control of adult education to create up to 50,000 new training and retraining opportunities by 2030. Through Local Skills Improvement Plans, the Combined County Authority would work with councils, employers, colleges and universities to provide the quality jobs and skilled workforce our local economy needs.
• Green economy. Over £16 million of new capital funding to invest in new green jobs, homes, skills, and business growth and accelerate Devon and Torbay’s transition to a net-zero economy, capitalising on our area’s world-leading expertise in green science and technology. Funding will be made available to enable the development of crucial coastal and marine energy infrastructure. This will complement existing investments planned through the Levelling Up Funding in Northern Devon and Torbay, seeking to support innovation and investment across a crucial growth sector for the area.
• Innovation. Government and the proposed CCA will seek to maximise the strength of our area’s core sectors such as the concentration of marine manufacturing in Northern Devon, specialist innovation assets and the potential of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport; and the photonics sector within Torbay and Southern Devon, with over 100 companies coming together to support wider manufacturing, defence and digital supply chains.
• Transport. The proposed Deal builds on Devon County Council and Torbay Councils’ long history of working well together on local transport planning. It would improve the efficiency and co-ordination of public transport. There is an ambition to introduce a single ticketing system for travellers and investment in services to provide greater access to public transport.
• Housing. A stronger partnership with Homes England, capitalising on the Affordable Housing Programme and Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund to create a joint action plan for affordable housing schemes and reduce homelessness. It includes additional land assembly and compulsory purchase powers and will facilitate greater Community Land Trust-led delivery.
• UKSPF. The Government is offering to transfer responsibility for planning and delivery of the area’s £14.8 million UK Shared Prosperity Fund to Devon and Torbay from 2025 to support high growth business sectors such as advanced marine engineering, defence, photonics and digital and improve the look and feel of local communities with street and town centre enhancements.
• Agriculture and fisheries. The Government is offering a closer partnership with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs around the agritech and fishing sectors, a vital foundation of the local economy, but also areas of growing expertise around regenerative farming, net zero land management and aquaculture.

Governance

• Not a mayor, not a unitary. As a Level 2 area, the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority will be one of the first in the country not to feature a mayor or directly elected leader. No functions are being transferred to the CCA from any local authority in the area, other than the strategic transport functions of the County Council and Torbay Council with their agreement. What’s proposed is a strategic authority led by local councillors representing Devon County Council and Torbay Council who will be responsible for overseeing new powers and funding transferred from Whitehall. As non-constituent members, Devon’s district councils will have a voice on the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority along with the business and education sectors, and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
• Councillor-led. The proposed CCA will comprise six “constituent” Members, three councillors each, including the Leaders, from the County Council and Torbay Council. They will be joined by up to four “non-constituent” Members including two councillors nominated by Devon’s District Councils to represent their interests on the CCA and two “associate” members nominated by the business and education sectors. The Police and Crime Commissioner will also be invited to attend to ensure alignment between the CCA and PCC. Constituent Members will be responsible for reserved matters such as the CCA’s budget, policy framework and transport functions. The CCA will determine how it will deal with voting and decision-making between the CCA’s membership on general matters, for example local policy and strategy making, as part of its broader Constitution.
• Team Devon. A Team Devon Joint Committee will be established to bring the County, District Councils, National Park Authorities and the Devon Association of Local Councils together. This will give the Committee a voice and establish a collective Team Devon position in the CCA. Costs will be off-set by the winding up of the Heart of the South West Joint Committee.

Set up and running costs

The Government is offering £1 million to fund the set-up costs of our proposed CCA. The CCA would make best use of existing council capacity and expertise to ensure running costs are minimised. The cost of the CCA will also be off-set by savings from the winding-up the Heart of the South West LEP whose functions (as they relate to Devon and Torbay) will be incorporated into the proposed new authority.

Plymouth

Plymouth City Council withdrew from the Deal because it did not wish to combine with Torbay and Devon County Councils as a single strategic Local Transport Authority delivering joined-up transport services.  Whilst Devon and Torbay councils believe it is a mistake, they recognise and respect Plymouth’s right to make its own decisions in this matter. The provisions of the proposed devolution deal leave the door open for Plymouth to apply to join the Combined County Authority in the future.

Where to go for information

From Monday, February 12, the Devon and Torbay Devolution Deal website will include FAQs, a consultation questionnaire, a summary of the Devolution Deal proposal as well as the full document. The website will include an information leaflet and contact details for further information. The County Council and Torbay Council will be holding and attending a series of meetings across the area, supported by online sessions, for various stakeholders including the business and education sectors, along with meetings hosted by District Councils.

DALC hosted an online Connect Event for parish and town councils to better understand the devolution proposals and ask questions.  We were delighted to welcome senior representation from Devon County Council’s elected members and officers at the meeting, who expanded on the proposed deal and answered questions.

If you missed the event, you can watch the recording on YouTube.

Other events in your area may be available, please contact devontorbaydeal@torbay.gov.uk with details of your location and they will let you know about other events that may be available in your area.