THE Courier story about Crediton becoming part of Exeter (January 2) will, in part, be determined by ministers by the time of the next issue of the newspaper is read.

There could be big change to come for Crediton, but it is only right for people to have their say over significant changes that will affect delivery of local services and democratic representation.

As I write the Conservative Party is pressing for a single Devon council with Labour Exeter City Council putting the case for an expanded Exeter.

As a cabinet member on Mid Devon District Council, I would like to know what readers think and for there to be the time for an informed discussion as the government push for changes in how local services are delivered.

All this has happened since the announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner in the week before Christmas, with the government’s desire to create new local councils of around 500,000 people.

The population of Devon, without Plymouth, is less than one million people.

Opportunities within the White Paper, published on December 16, have resulted in a power grab at the local level by both Conservative and Labour.

This tears-up the very recent agreement by government with all Devon local authorities for the formation of a Foundation Strategic Authority for Devon and Torbay, as a (CCA) Combined County Authority.

This CCA would provide a transitional period for all the councils in Devon to work together and agree reform for implementation after the next general election.

This would provide time for discussion, consultation, and orderly transition.

In the week this letter is written, the Conservative-controlled Devon County Council will decide if it will seek to become the single unitary council for Devon and to postpone their May public election due after four years.

In reaction to this position all district councils in Devon are urgently meeting, as full councils, to agree their opposition, support proper consultation, to work collaboratively, commit to comprehensive public consultation and lobby government on the importance of a Devon-wide referendum.

While the government has a deadline of Friday, January 10 for Devon and Exeter to submit their applications for unitary status, it is not too late for people in Crediton and those from the rural area who look to Crediton to have your say.

Please speak up loudly, whatever your view.

Councillor Steven Keable

Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration and Taw Vale Ward Councillor

Mid Devon District Council