19. To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans she has for the introduction of unitary local government in Devon. (277618)

We have asked the boundary committee to provide advice by 15 July 2009 on whether there could be proposals for a single-tier of local government, and if so on what basis, for Exeter and the whole or part of the surrounding Devon county area, with existing, or if necessary changed, boundaries of Plymouth City or Torbay borough.

Under the statute, any decisions about implementing unitary proposals for Devon cannot be taken until six weeks after the 15 July deadline for receipt of the boundary committee’s advice.