The Campaign for Historic Counties has submitted its response to the government consultation on proposed unitary local government arrangements in the Devon, Plymouth and Torbay area.
While the Campaign does not take a position on the exact boundaries of the proposed new councils, it has called on decision-makers to recognise and respect the historic counties in any outcome. The consultation area, while broadly covering Devon, also includes a small portion of Dorset, and does not align precisely with the historic county boundaries.
“We are not asking the government to change the proposals,” said a spokesperson for the Campaign. “We simply want official recognition of historic counties, which are the enduring geography of the nation and remain important to communities, identity, and culture.”
The Campaign referenced the Office for National Statistics’ Index of Place Names User Guide 2024, which confirms that historic counties exist, should be used as enduring geographic units, and remain distinct from administrative or ceremonial areas.
The Campaign urges that any new maps, signage, and official communications continue to acknowledge Devon and other historic counties, ensuring continuity for residents and avoiding confusion in the wake of local government reorganisation.