Public asked to have their say on Devon and Torbay devolution deal

A six-week public consultation was launched on Monday (February 12), on a draft proposal to create a Combined County Authority (CCA) for Devon and Torbay to oversee new powers and funding transferred from Government as part of the ‘devolution deal’.

The deal proposes to create the CCA alongside the existing councils, which would be a formal partnership of elected members drawn from both councils plus district councils, together with representatives from business and education.

Now, people are invited to provide their thoughts on the operations, powers and responsibilities of the CCA.

These include investment in local economic growth, delivering affordable housing, improving public transport, and meeting net zero ambitions.

Establishing the CCA would not mean removing or merging local councils and does not require a mayor for Devon and Torbay. All councils would continue to exist and would still be responsible for public services in their area.

A proposed new body would aim to oversee adult education, generating 50,000 training opportunities by 2030.

The plan would be to collaborate with businesses and education institutions to align skills development with local economic needs.

A proposed investment of more than £16 million aims to foster green jobs, housing, skills, and business growth in Devon and Torbay, leveraging the region's expertise in green science and technology to expedite the transition to a net-zero economy.

The proposal suggests a closer collaboration between Homes England and district councils in Devon to develop a joint plan for affordable housing and homelessness reduction. It involves acquiring more land and empowering Community Land Trusts to play a larger role in housing delivery.

Devon County Council and Torbay Council have aimed to enhance local transport planning to make public transportation more efficient and coordinated. They have also aimed to implement a unified ticketing system for passengers across various modes of public transport.

From 2025, the Government has planned to transfer responsibility for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to Devon and Torbay, engaging with Devon’s district councils. This aims to support high-growth business sectors and fund town centre improvements.

Devon County Council Leader John Hart said: “This devolution deal is a golden opportunity for us to change what we do and the way we do it. It would enable us to do things our way in order to secure more investment to deliver local priorities, while offering better value for money for taxpayers.”

Mr. Hart has urged local residents to consider the benefits of this deal for everyone in the county and welcomes feedback from the community.

Both councils will review the consultation results in April and then decide whether to submit the proposal to the Government, potentially with amendments, or choose not to proceed at all.

The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities would review any submission and establish regulations to create the CCA.

A summary leaflet about the consultation will be accessible at all libraries in Devon and Torbay, as well as at district council offices.

The consultation closes at 11.59pm on March 24. You can provide feedback via the Devon Torbay Deal website, by emailing devontorbaydeal@torbay.gov.uk, or by post to: FREEPOST D & T Devolution.

Further information about the joint consultation by Devon County Council and Torbay Council, along with details on how to respond, can be found at www.devontorbaydeal.org.uk.