SHDC: We welcome your views on the future of council services

South Hams District Council is holding a "series of events in September and October" to give residents and local communities "the opportunity to help shape the future of Devon".

The spokesperson said: "The government has set out its plans for re-organising local government.  As a result, the way council services are delivered will be changing and you are being invited to attend any of the 15 public engagement sessions to discuss our proposals, ask questions and help inform our thinking https://www.southhams.gov.uk/lgr-events 

"The government asked for our initial ideas earlier in the year which is set out below. Our 1:4:5 plan, which is South Hams District Council’s preferred choice and is supported by most Devon Councils, would see the creation of three councils which would deliver all the services in their area (unitary authorities).

• Plymouth Unitary Authority - on its existing footprint
• South West Devon Unitary Authority - West Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge and Torbay
• Northern Devon and Exeter Unitary Authority – East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, Torridge and Exeter

"We have been asked to submit final proposals for new structures by 28 November 2025."

Councillor Dan Thomas, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: "In the future South Hams District Council will no longer exist because national government has decided to change the way local government is structured. We are a Council that delivers good services in our area, so it will be sad to see it disappear, but I am committed to getting the best deal possible for our residents and communities. 

“I believe our 1-4-5 proposal is the best option for everyone in Devon – not just those of us who live and work in the South Hams. It is big enough to harness opportunities efficiently, but small enough to stay connected to our communities and respond to local needs, while meeting all the Government criteria. 

“We are working hard to create a final plan that works for everyone. That is why it’s so important to hear the voices in our communities, they are at the heart of what we do now and this must continue in the future. We are talking with our town and parish councils and other stakeholders and we would like to hear from you, so we can understand what is important to you.

"This will help shape a final proposal which works for the South Hams and the whole of Devon.

“So please fill out our survey, and book on one of our engagement events– we want to know what matters to you.”

These engagement events will start at 6.15pm and end at 8pm with doors opening at 6pm:

09 September 2025 – Shaugh Prior Village Hall, Shaugh Priory
16 September 2025 – Sparkwell Parish Hall, Sparkwell
17 September 2025 – The Watermark, Ivybridge
19 September 2025 – Yealmpton Community Centre, The Great Hall, Yealmpton
23 September 2025 –Newton and Noss Village Hall, Noss Mayo
24 September 2025 – The Crooked Spire, Ermington
25 September 2025 – The Woolwell Centre, Woolwell
30 September 2025 - Rose & Crown, Yealmpton (For Brixton residents)
01 October 2025 – War Memorial Village Hall, Wembury
02 October 2025 – Kingsbridge Community College, Kingsbridge
07 October 2025 – Cliff House, Salcombe
08 October 2025 – Flavel Centre, Dartmouth
09 October 2025 – Follaton House, Totnes

Several daytime drop-in sessions have also been organised:

22 September 2025 – The Village Shop, South Brent. 10am - 12.30pm.
22 September 2025 – Modbury Memorial Hall, Modbury. 2pm – 4pm.

Any additional events will be added to our webpages when confirmed. To find out more and to book a place on one of the engagement events please visit https://www.southhams.gov.uk/lgr-events 

Please have your say on South Hams District Council’s website. This includes the survey and more information on local government reorganisation https://www.southhams.gov.uk/your-council/local-government-reorganisation-and-devolution.