Today Government announced that they have withdrawn their Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) decision for Torbay, Devon and Plymouth and will be reviewing this with an outcome of this review due early next year.

Government are considering the best way forward and say withdrawing these decisions does not mean reorganisation has been cancelled and all options and proposals remain under consideration 

Government confirmed that local elections will go ahead in May 2027 on our existing council boundaries.

New councils will be established for 2029, with elections to shadow councils in May 2028.

Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, has responded to today’s LGR announcements:

"I am deeply disappointed and frustrated by today's announcement from Government that Devon's Local Government Reorganisation proposals have been withdrawn.

"Over the past year, we have invested significant time, effort and public money in developing proposals and preparing for implementation. At a time when local government finances are already under pressure, it is extremely frustrating that so much work has been undertaken only for the process to be delayed, creating further uncertainty for councils, residents and businesses.

"What we now need is certainty. My understanding is that we are not being asked to start again from scratch and there remains an opportunity to refine the proposals already submitted. We must use that opportunity to ensure any future arrangements genuinely reflect the needs of our communities and provide the strongest possible basis for local services.

"I will continue to champion Torbay remaining as it is, because that is what our residents have consistently told us they want. As discussions continue with Government, I will make that case clearly and strongly on behalf of the people and businesses of Torbay."