Devon Local Government Reorganisation: Exeter residents urged to have their say on 2028 council shake-up

Residents across Exeter and the wider county are being urged to take part in a Government consultation that could reshape local government in Devon for decades to come.

The consultation, launched on 27 February 2026, follows the Government’s call for clearer and more streamlined council structures, replacing Devon’s current two-tier system of district and county councils with a new set of unitary authorities.

Four proposals have been submitted in response, all agreeing in principle that moving to a unitary system is the right direction for Devon.

Among them is a joint submission from Exeter City Council and Plymouth City Council, setting out a shared vision for what they describe as a simpler, stronger and more efficient model of local government.

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Under the current system, responsibilities are split between district councils, such as Exeter City Council, and Devon County Council.

The proposed reorganisation would create single-tier authorities responsible for all local government services in their areas.

The Exeter and Plymouth proposal outlines plans for four new unitary councils across Devon, each designed to reflect how communities live, work and travel.

The plan includes an expanded Exeter authority, incorporating the city alongside 49 surrounding parishes from Teignbridge, East Devon and Mid Devon.

Supporters say this would create a single unitary council built around one of Britain’s fastest-growing cities, with the scale to plan strategically for housing, transport and economic development.

An expanded Plymouth authority would include Plymouth and 13 parishes from South Hams, reflecting what is described as existing economic and service links between the city and neighbouring communities.

The proposal also includes an expanded Torbay authority, bringing together Torbay and 21 nearby parishes, and a new “Devon Coast and Countryside” council focused specifically on rural and coastal communities, market towns and more dispersed populations.

The model has been shaped through joint work between Exeter and Plymouth councils, with leaders arguing it would create a more coherent and futureproofed system while keeping services closer to residents.

An Exeter City Council spokesperson confirmed that while the final decision rests with the Secretary of State, the reorganisation is currently expected to take formal effect in April 2028.

The new authority structures would be legally established at that point, and Exeter City Council would formally cease to exist on the same date.

A transition period is also planned. Elections to a new shadow authority are expected to take place in May 2027.

Exeter City Council would then remain operational for a further year, until April 2028, to ensure continuity of services during the handover.

More detailed arrangements are expected to be confirmed closer to the time.

Additional details are also available via Exeter City Council’s website.