THE people of Devon could be set for more power after council leaders agreed to work together for more devolved authority from Westminster.

The announcement has come following a summit of county, unity and district council chiefs in Exeter, organised by County Council leader John Hart, Plymouth City Council leader Tudor Evans and Exeter City Council deputy leader Rachel Sutton.

Devon County Council leader John Hart said: “It’s important that we present a united front to the Government and the level of agreement has been very encouraging.

“I have always said that we can do things more effectively and more efficiently locally than being told what to do by London.”

The Devon councils are hoping to make a joint expression of interest with Somerset County Council and its five district authorities based around economic development, skills and job creation.

It would be based on the boundaries of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) between businesses and Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay councils.

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said: “We are currently working with other authorities across the South West to put together a statement of intent calling for more devolved powers from Westminster.

“This will focus on three key areas – economy, health and a combined theme of infrastructure and local resilience – and will be submitted to the government before their September 4 deadline.”

LEP chief executive Chris Garcia also attended the meeting at Sandy Park with leaders from Devon’s eight district councils and Torbay Mayor Gordon Oliver.

“The big themes we hope to focus on are on skills, economic growth and improving productivity, as well as infrastructure so we can ensure our road and rail network is more resilient than it has been in the past,” Cllr Hart later added.

“Doing the very best for our older residents by coordinating health and social care and affordable homes for our young people are also key themes.

“It is interesting to note that the Chancellor, George Osborne, recognised the very real problems there are in the South West with housing for our young people – especially in rural areas – when he was in Devon on Thursday.”

For more information on Devon County Council, visit https://new.devon.gov.uk.