Government facing judicial review over Devon reorganisation

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) announced its decision to replace the county's existing local government structure with four unitary councils last month.

Writing to the region's council leaders on 16 July, the then Secretary of State, Steve Reed, said the four-unitary approach was the best option overall, partly because it allowed each of Devon’s three economic centres - Exeter, Torbay and Plymouth - to grow, increasing housing supply and growth opportunities.

Devon County Council leader Julian Brazil has since hit out at the model, arguing it "prioritises urban expansion".

Cllr Brazil announced that the authority sent a letter before claim to MHCLG on Monday (3 August) setting out its legal objections.

He said: "I will not stand by while the most vulnerable people and deprived areas are ignored. Many residents know this decision does not reflect what is best for Devon as a whole.

"I am not opposed to local government reorganisation. What I oppose is the Government choosing this solution. It does not give sufficient weight to the needs of rural and coastal communities across Devon nor the most vulnerable we are here to serve."

He called on the Prime Minister and the new Local Government Secretary, Angela Rayner, to reconsider the decision taken by the previous administration, adding: “We do not want to be in this position, but we have to consider all options available.

"We must do everything to protect the interests of Devon residents and if that means a judicial review, then so be it. If ministers are willing to engage further and reconsider the approach, that may avoid the need for formal proceedings.”

The legal threat follows the council's submission of five Freedom of Information requests seeking details of how the Government reached its decision.

The authority is reportedly requesting information that could show whether advice from officials, experts or ministers raised concerns about the expanded city model before the final decision was made.

Devon's cabinet is expected to consider its next steps at its September meeting.

Adam Carey