The Labour Government has chosen the worst possible option for Devon's future.
Instead of creating councils built around real communities and strong local economies, Ministers have approved a plan that will tear Devon apart.
Exeter and Plymouth, the county's two major economic engines, will each receive their own councils. However, this leaves the rest of Devon divided to the benefit Labour Councillors and MP’s. Torbay gets expanded as well, despite councillors asking to be left alone to get on with the job.
The rest of rural Devon will be placed into one enormous authority stretching across most of the county, from coast to coast, Lynton to Salcombe, Hartland to Sidmouth.
These communities are hours apart and share little in common except being forgotten and shafted by this Labour Government.
Even more concerning are the challenges facing this new rural council.
Rural Devon already faces the greatest pressures of anywhere in the county. It has an ageing population, higher costs of delivering public services, longer road networks to maintain, poorer public transport and communities spread across hundreds of square miles.
Instead of recognising those challenges, Labour has given rural Devon the weakest settlement.
This is not local government reorganisation based on communities or common sense. It is a proposal drawn on a map in Whitehall, with little regard for how Devon actually works.
If you agree that rural Devon deserves a fair deal, sign our petition today and help us send a clear message to the Labour Government: think again.
The Government is contributing a minimal amount towards this mammoth task of reorganising. The rest falls on council taxpayers like you. Nobody here voted for this. Add your name and demand better.