Devon Association of Local Councils (DALC) is calling for clarity and certainty for parish and town councils following the government’s decision to pause and review its local government reorganisation programme in the county.
The government announced yesterday that plans for 14 areas, including Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, will be paused and reviewed. The decision follows updated legal advice and will also consider whether the proposals align with the priorities of the new government.
Parish and town councils have invested considerable time in engaging with the process and considering what local government reorganisation could mean for their communities. DALC also recognises that the impact has been particularly significant for colleagues in Devon’s principal authorities, where substantial time and resources have already been committed to the work.
Rebecca Walker, Chief Executive Officer of Devon Association of Local Councils, said:
“The uncertainty created by this latest announcement is unhelpful for councils and communities across Devon. Since local government reorganisation was announced in December 2024, a great deal of time and effort has gone into the process, and we recognise the significant impact this has had on our principal authority colleagues.
“Parish and town councils need clarity about what happens next and what this means for their communities. Whatever the outcome of the review, it is important that the role of local councils is recognised as part of the future of local government in Devon.
“We will continue to work with the National Association of Local Councils and our partners locally to ensure the views and interests of parish and town councils are represented as the government reviews the programme.”
DALC will continue to monitor developments and keep members updated as further information becomes available.
For the latest information as we have it, members can visit DALC’s website.