Consultation outcome

Local government reorganisation in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay

• From: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
• Published: 5 February 2026
• Last updated: 4 August 2026 — See all updates

This was published under the 2024 to 2026 Starmer Labour government

Applies to England

This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

Devon, Plymouth and Torbay: Summary and analysis of consultation responses

PDF, 850 KB, 69 pages

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Detail of outcome

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has decided to implement, subject to Parliamentary approval, the proposal for 4 unitary councils to be established in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.

This proposal was submitted by:

• Exeter City Council
• Plymouth City Council

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Original consultation

Summary

This consultation seeks views on the local government reorganisation proposals we have received from councils in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.​

This consultation ran from
1pm on 5 February 2026 to 11:59pm on 26 March 2026

Consultation description

We are seeking views on the proposals submitted by councils for the reorganisation of local government in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.  

​Responses to this consultation will inform our decision on which proposal, if any, to implement.

Documents

Proposals for local government reorganisation in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay

HTML

Published 5 February 2026

Last updated 4 August 2026 — Show all updates

1. 4 August 2026

   Summary and analysis of consultation responses updated to correct an error in the number of parishes listed under the remit of the new Torbay unitary authority. This does not change the decision made in that area.

2. 21 July 2026

   Summary and analysis of consultation responses added.

3. 5 February 2026

   First published.