https://www.middevon.gov.uk/devon-councils-announce-proposal-for-new-local-government-structure-for-the-county/

Devon’s district councils have collaboratively joined forces to respond to government proposals to reorganise local government in the county. 

In December 2024, the UK Government announced plans to simplify the structure of local government across England. Areas such as Devon, which currently has a ‘two-tier’ system comprising a county council and district councils, are being asked to develop new unitary authorities. 

East Devon, West Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Mid Devon, North Devon and Torridge district councils, in consultation with Torbay Council, have been working together to shape a proposal. Torbay continues to work on its own submission. 

The Districts’ proposal, known as the 4-5-1 model, includes: 

• A unitary authority for West Devon, Teignbridge, South Hams and Torbay 
• A unitary authority for North Devon, Torridge, Mid Devon, East Devon and Exeter 
• Plymouth remaining a standalone unitary authority