Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Decision and Mayor’s Response

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Decision and Mayor’s Response

On 16th July 2026, the Government confirmed that local government in Devon will be reorganised into four unitary authorities, replacing the current two-tier system of Devon County Council and the district councils. From 1st April 2028, local government services will be delivered by four new councils:-

·         Plymouth

·         Exeter

·         Torbay Council; and

·         a new Devon Coast and Countryside Council, which will cover the remainder of the county.

A Structural Change Order is expected in the autumn, with elections to shadow authorities planned for May 2027 to oversee the transition. The reorganisation is intended to simplify local government, reduce duplication and support housing, infrastructure and economic growth across Devon.

 Implications for Teignbridge and Newton Abbot

The current Teignbridge administrative area will be divided among three of the new unitary councils based on geography:-

• Torbay Council: will serve residents in Newton Abbot, Abbotskerswell, Berry Pomeroy, Bishopsteignton, Broadhempston, Coffinswell, Denbury and Torbryan, Haccombe with Combe, Ideford, Ipplepen, Kingskerswell, Kingsteignton, Kingswear, Littlehempston, Marldon, Ogwell, Shaldon, Stoke Gabriel, Stokeinteignhead, Teigngrace and Teignmouth.
• Exeter Council: will serve residents in Ashcombe, Aylesbeare, Bicton, Brampford Speke, Broadclyst, Budleigh Salterton, Cheriton Bishop, Chudleigh, Clyst Honiton, Clyst Hydon, Clyst St. Lawrence, Clyst St George, Clyst St Mary, Colaton Raleigh, Colebrooke, Cranbrook, Crediton, Crediton Hamlets, Dawlish, Dunchideock, East Budleigh, Exminster, Exmouth, Farringdon, Hittisleigh, Holcombe Burnell, Huxham, Ide, Kenn, Kenton, Lympstone, Mamhead, Netherexe, Newton St Cyres, Otterton, Poltimore, Powderham, Rewe, Rockbeare, Shillingford St George, Sowton, Starcross, Stoke Canon, Tedburn St Mary, Upton Pyne, West Hill, Whimple, Whitestone and Woodbury.
• Devon Coast and Countryside Council: Will serve residents in Ashburton, Ashton, Bickington, Bovey Tracey, Bridford, Buckfastleigh, Buckland in the Moor, Christow, Doddiscombsleigh, Dunsford, Hennock, Ilsington, Lustleigh, Manaton, Moretonhampstead, North Bovey, Trusham, Widecombe in the Moor and Woodland.

While Newton Abbot Town Council's powers and responsibilities will not change automatically, the transition is likely to involve closer working with the new unitary authority, potential changes to service delivery arrangements, and opportunities to discuss the future role of town and parish councils in supporting local services and community assets. The Government and existing councils have emphasised that continuity of services will be a priority throughout the transition period.

Statement from the Mayor, Councillor Louise Cooke, on the announcement

“The one undisputed positive about last Thursday’s announcement is that it put an end to months of speculation and ill-informed guesswork. The model chosen for Newton Abbot may not be everyone’s preferred option but at least we now know where we find ourselves in the new political landscape. Newton Abbot Town Council looks forward to forging strong ties with Torbay Council for the benefit of the town, building on the ongoing successful collaborations we currently have with both Teignbridge District Council and Devon County Council. I welcome Torbay MP Steve Darling’s description of the new unitary for our area as “a partnership of equals, not a takeover”.

As a Devonian first and foremost, I do, however, have serious concerns for the area referred to as Coastal & Countryside which seems to have been discarded as ‘the rest’ once all the three urban unitary authorities had been devised, with no economic driver or clear headquarters location.”