Councillors have unanimously supported plans for Exeter to pursue unitary authority status as part of devolution and local government reorganisation efforts.
During an Extraordinary Council Meeting, members reviewed a report outlining the Council’s initial response to the Government’s recent White Paper. The report recommended that Exeter declare its intention to seek unitary status.
A letter of intent will now be sent to the government, opposing any future proposal for a single unitary council for Devon and expressing Exeter’s plan to submit interim proposals for unitary status.
Councillors also endorsed a recommendation for the Council to collaborate with neighbouring authorities to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority, potentially covering Devon and Cornwall, with a unitary Exeter as a constituent member.
The report emphasized that a Unitary Exeter would be best positioned to coordinate public service delivery, drive regeneration and economic growth, and strengthen community leadership and identity, benefiting both the city and the wider region.
Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: “It was a very good discussion and debate, and I am glad that we have been able to establish cross party support with a unanimous vote to build our case for Exeter to become a unitary authority and play a full part in a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Devon and Cornwall.
“There are lots of discussions that will now take place with our neighbouring authorities and strategic partners as we work on the details of the proposal.
“But I have absolutely no doubt that as the driving force of economic growth and sustainable development in Devon, a unitary Exeter is the best way of delivering for communities both in Exeter and throughout the wider region.”
Chief Executive Bindu Arjoon said: “Now that Council has approved the recommendations set out in the report we will now send a letter of intent to government outlining our position on unitary status for Exeter.
“The Council will work collaboratively, as much as is possible, with other local councils on the development of proposals going forward in the interest of Exeter and Devon as a whole.”
Image credit: iStock
