Cllr Louise Cooke stated that while the Government's decision on Thursday, 29 October, to further suspend the LGR process was disappointing, it provides crucial time for key personnel and organisations across the county to discuss the path forward.
Original plans had proposed that much of Teignbridge would become part of a larger ‘Devon Coast and Countryside’ authority, with Newton Abbot combined with Torbay. These proposals were largely met with local opposition and were facing legal challenges.
In September, the Government announced a halt to proceedings to consider its options. On 29 October, it was confirmed that the original proposals had been withdrawn, with Ministers expected to provide an update early next year.
Following the Devon Association of Local Council’s (DALC) annual general meeting, where LGR was a significant topic, Cllr Cooke noted that chief executives from both Devon County Council and Mid Devon District Council acknowledged lessons learned. 'They realised that in future they needed to work together to create an option for the whole of Devon that can be promoted jointly to the Government or something will imposed upon the county, as happened in July,' she said. 'The second lesson learned was that they needed to engage much better with the Devon parish and town councils next time around. Let’s hope they were sincere.'
The LGR delays will not affect the local elections scheduled for next May for seats on Newton Abbot Town Council. Cllr Cooke emphasised the importance of the 2027 Local Elections, urging passionate individuals to consider standing as candidates to influence the town's future administration. 'Now is not the time to quip from the sidelines but instead join us in the chamber and make change happen,' she added.
