On 16th July 2026 the Government announced its decision on Local Government Reorganisation in Devon. The Government preferred option was Exeter’s joint submission with Plymouth.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed the creation of four new unitary authorities for the county, one of which is an expanded Exeter.
The new councils will be made up of:
- A rural and coastal authority, including some parts of East Devon
- A new and expanded Greater Exeter authority, including other parts of East Devon (including West Hill)
- An expanded Plymouth City Council
- An expanded/continuing Torbay Council
Elections for the new authorities will take place in May 2027. “Shadow” authorities will run alongside existing councils to support the transition until April 2028 when the new unitary authorities will officially come into operation, with predecessor councils dissolved.
Further details can be found in the decision letter published by The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government.
