Instead of snatching decisions away from local people, we demand that Citizens’ Assemblies form the beating heart of Devon’s new council so ordinary people decide what happens, not politicians.

Devon’s Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) could soon see district and county councils abolished and a new structure imposed with less local voice, weaker consultation, and decisions taken away from the people they affect.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn a bad situation into a breakthrough for democracy: by building Citizens Assemblies into the new councils from day one.

We call on Devon’s council leaders and the Government to include a permanent Citizens’ Assembly in all proposals for Devon’s Local Government Reorganisation submitted to Ministers on 28 November.

A Citizens Assembly is:

• A group of local residents, chosen by sortition (at random, but with weighting to make it representative) so it reflects the whole community.

• Given time, resources, expert input and facilitation to deliberate complex issues.

• Empowered not only to scrutinise local policies, but also to generate new proposals on key issues - from housing and health to transport, climate and youth.

Embedding Citizens’ Assemblies in the new unitary councils would:

Restore public trust and local accountability.

Make policy more inclusive, fair and effective.

Ensure Devon’s democracy evolves with its people, not above them.

This is our chance to show that change can strengthen democracy, not sideline it.

Sign now to call for Citizens’ Assemblies to be written into Devon’s new councils before proposals go to Government on 28 November.

Deadline for signatures: 11.00 am, 31st January 2026.

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