Local Government Reorganisation in Devon: What It Means for Totnes Residents

The Government has confirmed that the four-unitary proposal for Devon Local Government Reorganisation will move forward. Under this proposal, Devon will be served by four brand new unitary authorities from April 2028, covering and expanding from existing Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay authorities, together with a new Devon-wide authority covering the remaining parts of the county.

For residents, the most important thing to know is that nothing changes immediately.

Until the new arrangements are introduced, Totnes Town Council, South Hams District Council and Devon County Council will continue to operate as they do now, with services remaining unchanged during the transition period.

What happens next?

The new unitary authorities are expected to come into effect in April 2028. Between now and then there will be a significant period of planning and transition as councils work together to establish the new arrangements. South Hams District Council and Devon County Council have indicated that they are working closely with neighbouring authorities to ensure a smooth transfer of services and responsibilities.

Throughout this period:

Totnes Town Council will continue to operate as normal, there are no changes proposed to Town and Parish Councils under this process.
District and County Council services will continue to be delivered as they are today.
Residents should continue to access services in the same way they currently do.
Further information will be shared as details of the transition become available.

What does this mean for Totnes?

Totnes will form part of the new Devon unitary authority. The Town Council recognises that this represents a significant change in how principal local government services will be organised across the county.

One area where questions have already been raised is the proposed boundary between the new Devon authority and the expanded Torbay authority. Under the proposed arrangements, part of Berry Pomeroy Parish including an area of Bridgetown, would follow existing town and parish boundary lines to fall within the Torbay authority, while the remainder of Totnes would sit within the new Devon authority. A map is included to help residents understand where this proposed boundary lies.

Local councils and community organisations have identified this as a potentially complex arrangement because many local services, voluntary organisations and community networks currently operate across the wider Totnes area. Discussions are already taking place between councils regarding how these boundaries will work in practice.

Looking ahead

Whilst the transition is still at an early stage, Totnes Town Council acknowledges concerns that the new Devon authority will cover a very large and geographically diverse area without one obvious urban centre at its heart. The implications for future service delivery, representation and investment we hope will become clearer as the detailed plans are developed over the coming months and years.

At the same time, the Town Council is committed to engaging positively and constructively with the process. We will continue to work proactively with South Hams District Council, Devon County Council and neighbouring town and parish councils throughout the transition to help ensure that local communities continue to have a strong voice. It is important to understand that the changes outlined impact the tiers of local government above Town and Parish Councils, who have not been included in this restructure by the Government.

We will also continue to liaise closely with our voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) partners and other community organisations to understand what the new unitary boundaries may mean for service provision, funding arrangements and local partnership working.

Keeping residents informed

Local Government Reorganisation is one of the largest changes to local government in Devon for many years, and we recognise that residents, businesses and community groups may have questions.

As more information becomes available, Totnes Town Council will:

Share factual updates through our website and social media channels.
Provide information on what the changes mean locally.
Continue working with partners to understand and address any implications for residents and community organisations.
Ensure that local voices and local priorities continue to be heard throughout the transition process.

While council structures may change, Totnes Town Council will remain your local council, even beyond the changes in 2028, representing the interests of our community and continuing to deliver the services and support that residents rely on.