AS the debate over unitary status for local government continues, EDDC has said, if pushed, it would prefer a four council county. But no change remains the preferred option for councillors. The possible future structure of unitary councils in Devon was d

AS the debate over unitary status for local government continues, EDDC has said, if pushed, it would prefer a four council county.But no change remains the preferred option for councillors.The possible future structure of unitary councils in Devon was discussed at Wednesday's East Devon District Council executive meeting.The council had been asked to say which of four unitary options the council would support, if it had to.Leader Sara Randall Johnson made clear they would prefer the status quo of two tier authorities was kept.Ms Randall Johnson said: "This is here and it may happen. But let me be clear, we prefer the status quo."She said if change had to happen, the council would prefer the county being split into four authorities based on travel to work areas.This option also has the unanimous support of business leaders in East DevonThis would create four areas based around Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay and Barnstaple.She said: "This would not be a case of Exeter taking us over or us taking them over, it is about working in a different way."Among other options discussed were to support keeping Plymouth and Torbay as they are and the rest of Devon would be one large unitary body.l What do you think? Is this an expensive and unneeded distraction from governing? Email phil.griffin@archant.co.uk