GOVERNMENT critics have  questioned the “legality, motivation and financial probity” of  controversial plans for Exeter to  break away from Devon.

A strongly-worded motion  tabled by Tory leader David  Cameron for debate at Westminster, expressed “grave concern”  over the way the changes were  being “imposed” so close to the  General Election.

It branded the move an “abuse  of the democratic process” and  called for it to be withdrawn,  warning that it would lead to a  hike in council tax for Devon  residents.

However, a Government  amendment highlighted the  “benefits” of Exeter going it  alone, and the “substantial efficiency savings” being made by  those councils that went unitary last year.

Tabled by the Prime Minister,  it argued after three years of  public debate it was now right  for Parliament to make a final  decision.

The Tory motion, discussed  during an opposition debate  yesterday, also highlighted the  concerns raised by a top Whitehall official over ministers giving the plans the green light  despite admitting the sums still  did not add up, and his warning  a legal challenge to the Exeter  move would probably be successful. A court hearing into the  plans is due to be held next  month, although concerns have  been raised that an order to pave  the way for unitary status could  proceed through Parliament in  the meantime.

The Conservatives also caution that “distinguished academic research fundamentally  undermines the economic case  for unitary restructuring”, and  that the change “will place an  additional cost burden on council taxpayers” in Devon.

Allowing Exeter, along with  Norwich, to follow in the footsteps of Plymouth and Torquay  and gain unitary status, will  mean the city council will get  control over all local services,  including education and social  services. Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw said: “It is extraordinary,  given all the important challenges facing Britain, that the  Conservatives used their precious debating time to pursue  their vendetta against Exeter  and Norwich regaining full local democratic control of their  own services. Exeter’s Conservative councillors, who strongly  support Exeter’s case, must be  hopping mad.”