A DECISION over whether Devon will scrap its current local government set-up in favour of a single unitary system has been delayed by around six weeks.

A DECISIONover whether Devon will scrap its current local government set-up in favour of a single unitary system has been delayed by around six weeks.

Original deadlines called on the Boundary Committee, which has been asked by Department of Communities and Local Government Secretary Hazel Blears to consider scrapping the current structure, to make its final recommendation by December 31, with a decision likely from the Minister on or after 14 February 2009.

However councils in Devon have claimed that not enough time has been allowed for the financial cases supporting the change to a unitary county to be considered.

The Boundary Committee's final submission should now be made by February 13, with the Minister's decision being taken on or near March 31 2009.

If adopted, the Boundary Committee's primary recommendation of a new unitary Devon would become a reality in April 2010.

East Devon District Council's application for a Judicial Review is scheduled to be heard in London on December 19. The council said its lawyers are currently looking at the implications of the latest news to decide whether this changes the legal position in any way.