East Devon spent at least £175,949 to fight Devon unitary status. Was it worth it?

The latest judgment on the make up of Devon’s local government is expected next week. And while we wait, bear in mind that East Devon District Council has spent at least £175,949 fighting the decision – whatever that decision may be: there are only two options on the table and both involve doing away with East Devon DC

We haven’t dug out what Exeter City Council has spent (we reckon it’s around £100,000 of your hard-earned – if you’ve got a moment, you could explore its site to find out). But at least that council is fighting for a unitary status all of its own.

There are two options for change: a Devon unitary authority, and a unitary authority of Exeter and Exmouth, and one for the rest of Devon (both exclude Plymouth and Torbay). Neither of the two options look likely to be put in place before the next general election.

And what of the other district councils, what have they spent to rattle their sabre or shout support for a change in the local government of Devon?

Our pundits predict that whatever the hue of the winning national party, they are going to need to save money, and one way to do that is to do away with the final salary pension schemes in the public sector (remember them?). Getting rid of district councils, we reckon, would be part of that strategy.

But what of local democracy? Your thoughts and opinions (and findings) below please.

posted by Cptn

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