Statement from the Mayor regarding the pausing of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Devon

Statement from the Mayor regarding the pausing of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Devon

I note and welcome the Government’s announcement of a pause and review of the proposed reorganisation of local government in Devon.

This is a significant, once-in-a-generation decision for our county and, most importantly, for the communities we represent. Changes on this scale must be carefully considered, properly scrutinised and, above all, shaped by the needs and views of local people.

Throughout the debate about reorganisation, the Town Council has been clear that the identity and voice of towns such as Newton Abbot must not be lost. Whatever structure emerges in the future, decisions should be made as close as possible to the people they affect, and town and parish councils must have a meaningful role in shaping and supporting their communities.

Newton Abbot has a strong identity, a proud history and an ambitious future. Our residents deserve local government arrangements that strengthen that sense of place, provide effective and accountable services, and give communities a genuine say in the decisions that affect them.

The pause now provides an opportunity to reflect on what will work best for Devon and to ensure that local voices are properly heard. I hope the Government will use this review to engage constructively with councils at every level, including town and parish councils.

Crucially, the outcome of any future review of local government structures must take into account the needs and aspirations of the whole of Devon. The decisions ahead should not be driven by the self-interest of individual authorities, organisations or areas, but by what will deliver the best, fairest and most sustainable arrangements for all of Devon’s communities. This is a golden opportunity to focus on creating a system of local government that serves residents, strengthens communities and allows every part of our county to thrive.

As Mayor of Newton Abbot and as a Town Councillor, I will continue to champion our town and its residents and ensure that Newton Abbot’s interests and identity remain firmly represented in the discussions about the future of local government in Devon.

Cllr Louise Cooke
Mayor of Newton Abbot