You may have seen yesterday's announcement that the Government is to review local government reorganisation plans across in England, including Devon.

The Leader of Torbay Council's statement on the announcement is below:

Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, said:

“There has been an incredible amount of time and effort spent on preparing for local government reorganisation over the last few months. Everyone in Torbay – residents and councillors from all parties – supported the Torbay option to remain on our existing boundaries. Whilst this option was not chosen,  I hope this review now means that this option will be re-examined before any further decisions are made.

“I want to assure residents that services remain unaffected and our focus on delivering good services and our plans for Torbay’s ambitious regeneration programme continue at pace.

“The work we have undertaken to date on local government reorganisation has meant that we formed stronger partnerships with our colleagues across Devon and I hope that collaboration will continue - not least as we seek a Mayoral Strategic Authority for the whole of Devon at the earliest opportunity.

“We await further updates from Government but I hope there will be some clarity over the coming days, particularly for our council staff who have faced a period of uncertainty since local government reorganisation was announced in December 2024.

“Government has also confirmed that the local elections planned for May 2027 will continue on the current boundaries.”