Exeter Lib Dems welcomes pause on local government reform
Exeter Lib Dems welcome today’s announcement that the planned Local Government Reform (LGR) in Devon will be paused whilst the government reviews the plans, but they must urgently provide clarity for local councils and residents.
This is a big win for the Liberal Democrats, who have opposed LGR since its first announcement. The policy was forced upon local councils by central government and would have impacted residents greatly.
Exeter Lib Dems now call on the government to provide clarity on LGR as a matter of urgency. Continuing as normal with the 2027 district elections is not enough – too much council time is being spent on a delayed, rushed local government proposal that may not happen.
We also urge the government to use the pause to work collaboratively and proactively with Devon County Council and the county’s district councils, including Exeter City Council, to develop a proposal that works for all residents in Devon and has cross-party and intraregional support.
Cllr Michael Mitchell, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Exeter City Council said:
“Yet another Labour U Turn, and despite a new PM, it’s the same story. We want the government to come clean on why local government reform for Devon has been paused.
Vast amounts of public money and officer and councillors time has been devoted to keeping up with the Labour governments schedule, only for today the whole process to be paused, the only respite being that they are not cancelling the 2027 local council elections.
I am demanding that the question of a Devon mayority need to be accepted by the government so that devolution of powers and money from central government is in lockstep with establishing new unitary authorities in Devon. Any changes to the current proposals for Devon need to deliver for everyone in Devon.”
Jonnie Beddall, the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Exeter said:
“Devon has spent two years, and public money, preparing for local government reform.
Officers have been pulled off work. Projects have stalled. And our councillors and candidates cannot plan.
Four areas have had their decisions withdrawn on legal advice. Devon will be reviewed.
Three questions need answering:
- When does the review conclude?
- When are the new councils elected, and to what boundaries?
- Will there to be a Devon mayor, and on what terms?
Devon needs answers to all three before the end of the year.”