The Government asked for views on anticipated barriers and challenges to be addressed over the coming months which we have assessed as including:
- Reaching agreement in Devon – as detailed above, currently, there is not agreement among the 11 councils in Devon on the form and structure of any future model of local government in the county. We will continue to seek to collaborate with all councils in this process through regular engagement, information sharing and in advancing the principles that will deliver better services to residents.
- Elections – We will hold elections in May 2025. With changes at the election, combined with members not seeking re-election, there will be many new members of the council. Aside from the establishment of any new administration, it will take some time to induct new members and to ensure that they are fully briefed on the LGR process.
- Elected member support and good governance. The view of our current administration is that the options appraisal process should allow for the new administration to take an evidence-based view on which option best meets residents’ needs. This is a significant factor in the approach we are taking at this stage and has implications for timelines.
- Possible boundary changes and timescales – any proposals that do not remain within district council administrative boundaries could add complexity and time to the process of moving to a new unitary structure. Any proposed electoral arrangements will need to satisfy Boundary Commission requirements. We are seeking more clarity on the Boundary Commission process, and their capacity and timelines, to understand how this will align to the implementation of reorganisation.
- National funding reforms and assumptions – local government funding reform due to take effect in the Comprehensive Spending Review from April 2026, including the delayed business rates reset. The current review of social care funding by Dame Louise Casey will also be potentially significant, along with the Employment Rights Bill.
- Demand and cost pressures particularly in adult social care, children and families, special educational needs and disabilities, home to school transport, homelessness/temporary accommodation, and national policy changes relating to all of these areas.
- NHS Settlement Locally – there is increasing demand across childrens and adult social care and SEND services. Funding challenges within one part of the health and social care system has consequences for the other system partners, including the Police. Levels of funding within the NHS locally will hold direct impacts for local government and needs to be a key consideration in developing a new single local authority structure across Devon, including Plymouth and Torbay.
- MHCLG capacity – all remaining two-tier areas in England have been invited to take part in the move to unitary government. This will create pressures on the lead department, MHCLG and indeed other relevant government departments, such as DHSC and DFE to support the reorganisation process.
- Sufficient information and time to consult with key stakeholders and communities.