Decision

RESOLVED

That the Executive:

1. Notes the Government decision in respect of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
2. The LGR model selected by the Government for the creation of four unitary authorities for Devon demonstrates its failure to understand or appreciate the needs of the county’s rural towns and villages as well as our coastal communities and effective delivery of services.
3. The Government’s decision to go ahead with the expansion of Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay is very much at the expense of the remaining parts of the county, disadvantages those towns and parishes moving into the expanded areas, and is entirely at odds with its stated aim of ensuring local government meets the need of all of Devon. It is also entirely at odds with the results of its own public consultation exercise, where this 4 Unitary Model was ranked the 4th (out of 5) of the preferred Options;
4. As Leader I therefore recommend to the Executive that:

A)    As there may well be legal grounds for a judicial review challenge in respect of the Government’s decision and that being the case, subject to further consideration of all relevant information and receiving appropriate advice, the Executive be minded to give authorised support and endorsement for any such application for a judicial review with an objective that the Government’s LGR model for Devon be fully withdrawn or revised, and

B)    Notwithstanding the potential for a judicial review, the Executive will call on Angela Rayner MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to reconsider the untenable LGR proposals for Devon and calls on the local MPs to support this demand for reconsideration.