LOCAL businesses in Torridge are being invited to have their say on the future of local government in the county at an event on August 7, 2025 at Caddsdown Business Centre in Bideford.

The event, which takes place between 3pm and 5pm, will give businesses chance to hear about the council's proposals for structural reform. Councillors and officers from Torridge District Council and North Devon Council will also be on hand to listen to businesses to hear what they value most about their local area, what services are most important to them and what they would like to see more of in their communities.

In December 2024 the government announced plans to simplify the structure of local government across England, by abolishing two-tier authorities - county councils and district councils - and replace them with single unitary authorities.

Torridge District Council and North Devon District Council are considering proposals for their future and are holding events to get residents’ feedback on them.

Final proposals for new structures need to be submitted to the government by November 28, 2025.

Before then, the councils say they would like to hear from as many businesses, residents and groups as possible to find out about what matters to them.

For those businesses that are unable to attend the event, an online survey is running until August 11, 2025. Responses will help shape the final proposal and ensure it reflects the needs of the communities of northern Devon.

Councillor Ken James, leader of Torridge District Council, said:"These changes will affect each and every one of us, so it's vital that our final proposals take into account as many, and as wide varying views as possible. Your insights will play a key role in making sure that the business community is fairly represented and gets the service it deserves for generations to come."