Torbay residents are being urged to have their say and reshape the way services are run in the future. 

The Government has today launched a consultation into Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Devon. LGR is about replacing the current two-tier system of district and county councils with fewer, single-tier unitary authorities. These new councils would be responsible for delivering all local services within their areas. 

Torbay Council’s proposal for local government reorganisation in Devon is based on four unitary councils: 

• Torbay Council continuing as a unitary council on its existing boundaries 
• an expanded Plymouth City Council covering the Plymouth Growth Area 
• a new Exeter Council reflecting the functional housing and labour market around the city 
• a new Rural Devon Coast and Countryside Council covering the remainder of Devon

Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, said: “I welcome the inclusion of our proposal in the consultation, a proposal which I believe is designed around real places, communities and economies. This will enable the resulting councils to make decisions closer to the communities they serve.  

Our proposal will mean that councils are more responsive to the needs of different places – with Torbay, Plymouth and Exeter empowered to lead on urban priorities and the new Rural Devon Coast and Countryside Council focussing on the distinct needs of dispersed rural and coastal communities, market towns and villages. 

“It’s now important that the people who will be most affected by any changes make their views clear to central Government so they can properly understand the impact each proposal could have before they make a final decision.” 

The consultation is now open and runs until midnight on Thursday 26 March 2026. Information on the consultation and how to take part can be found at http://www.devonlgr.co.uk

Paper copies of this consultation will be available in the four libraries across Torbay – Torquay, Paignton, Churston and Brixham – by Friday 13 February 2026. 

It is expected the Government will make a final decision on how councils in Devon will look in July 2026.