A new council structure will allow Exeter to achieve its potential as the ‘economic powerhouse of Devon’ according to the city’s MP.
Labour MP Steve Race has welcomed the announcement on local government reorganisation which paves the way for Exeter to expand its boundaries deep into East Devon, Mid Devon and Teignbridge.
The city will expand along with Plymouth and Torbay under the shake-up, taking in 49 new parishes. Its current two-tier system which has some services run by the city council and others run by the county will be replaced by a new, unitary authority on expanded boundaries.
The city council as it currently exists will be axed, as will the county council. The new unitary will take their place, and elections for a ‘shadow’ authority will take place next year. The new structure will take over running local services in 2028.
Mr Race has been making the case for the new set-up since the shake-up of local authorities was announced, arguing that an expanded unitary Exeter will better reflect the economic geography of the city and the identity of people who currently live outside the city boundaries but who feel they belong to Exeter.
He said the current two-tier structure of city and county councils was ‘confusing and ineffective’.
“Under the new authority, Exeter will be able to reach its economic potential, build sustainable growth and thrive without constraint,” he said.
“I am delighted that the government has backed Exeter’s proposal, recognising the city’s role as the economic powerhouse of Devon. This has been a long-time coming, and it was increasingly unsustainable for Exeter to remain a poorly funded district council, with most spending and decision-making taking place at Devon County Council.
“Creating a unitary authority for Exeter will secure local democracy, provide the opportunity to improve local services and create sustainable economic and jobs growth. Exeter will be better placed to unlock new opportunities for jobs, housing, innovation, and investment.”
Exeter will absorb the western and coastal portions of East Devon, totalling 28 parishes. They are Aylesbeare, Brampford Speke, Broadclyst, Budleigh Salterton, Clyst Honiton, Clyst Hydon, Clyst St George, Clyst St Lawrence, Clyst St Mary, Colaton Raleigh, East Budleigh, Exmouth (Town Council), Farringdon, Huxham, Lympstone, Nether Exe, Ottery St Mary (Town Council), Poltimore, Rockbeare, Sowton, Stoke Canon, Topsham (historical parish boundary elements), Upton Pyne, Whimple and Woodbury.
Exeter absorbs 15 parishes from the northern and coastal stretches of Teignbridge. Theft are Alphington (rural remainder), Ashcombe, Bridford, Christow, Dawlish (Town Council), Doddiscombsleigh, Dunchideock, Exminster, Holcombe, BurnelI, Ide, Kenn, Kenton, Mamhead, Powderham and Shillingford St George.
Exeter also absorbs six parishes from the southern edge of Mid Devon – Crediton (Town Council), Crediton Hamlets, Newton St Cyres, Sandford, Shobrooke and Silverton.