Local Government: Devon
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the oral answer to the hon. Member for Newton Abbot on 12 January, whether his Department will apply weighted criteria in the current phase of Local Government Reorganisation in Devon when assessing any revised or alternative proposals submitted in June.
Answered by Alison McGovern
All proposals must have regard to the statutory guidance that was part of the statutory invitation issued on 5 February 2025. This set out six criteria for unitary local government covering issues such as size, sensible geographies, efficiencies, financial sustainability, public service delivery, community engagement, and devolution.
The government plans to consult in early February on all proposals for unitary local government in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay that were submitted by 28 November 2025 and meet the terms of the statutory invitation. In making a decision on which proposals, if any, to implement Ministers will judge proposals in the round against the criteria, which are not weighted. They will have regard to all the representations that were received, including the consultation responses, and any other relevant information available to Ministers.
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