The Devon and Torbay region stands on the cusp of significant political and economic change, as the new Labour government has confirmed the establishment of a devolution deal. This agreement paves the way for the two councils to collaborate more closely, sharing powers and budgets, which many believe will empower local leadership to make decisions directly affecting communities.
The deal was signed earlier this year, but subsequent political shifts led to uncertainty about its future. With Plymouth City Council opting out of the agreement, the focus has turned to how Devon County Council and Torbay will work together to maximize the benefits of devolution. This move is part of wider efforts across England to shift authority from Westminster, giving local regions more say over their services.
“This is only the first step of our major ambition to drive forward our devolution revolution,” said Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. She expressed optimism about the deal, highlighting the potential for communities within Devon and Torbay to finally have their voices heard and to see improvements across areas like transport, housing, education, and more.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasized the wealth of untapped potential within Devon and Torbay. She pointed out the importance of ensuring local communities can influence decisions impacting their environments. “When local people are involved, we see the outcomes improve,” Rayner added.
Devon and Torbay’s Combined County Authority (CCA), introduced as part of the devolution initiative, will receive £16 million dedicated to investing in green jobs, housing, and business development. The councils assert this funding will allow them to address local challenges more effectively, with plans to make significant impacts on job creation and skills training.
James Mcinnes, the leader of Devon County Council, expressed excitement about this new chapter, saying, “This devolution deal will make a real difference to people’s lives in ways we can directly measure.” He went as far as to describe the deal as just the initial phase, with aspirations to deepen the partnership over time.
Meanwhile, concerns linger around the deal’s effectiveness. Independent councillors and some community leaders worry about the potential for added bureaucracy and the need for real engagement with all regional councils, particularly with Plymouth City, which opted out of the alliance. “The focus seems to fall disproportionately on Torbay and Exeter, and we feel sidelined,” commented Frank Biederman, leader of the independent and Green group of councillors.
The new CCA, set to form by 2025, faces skepticism about whether decisions will truly reflect the needs and priorities of those it impacts most. Critics fear not only bureaucracy but also the dilution of local authority, as powers are transferred to the combined authority rather than remaining within individual councils. This concern is echoed by Julian Brazil, leader of the South Hams District Council, who expressed disappointment about how the deal has progressed without the opportunity to include Plymouth fully.
“It feels like we’re jumping the gun. A more extensive deal encompassing more councils, like Plymouth and Cornwall, could be more beneficial,” Brazil remarked. His call for broader collaboration resonates with many who feel the new authority might struggle to represent the entirety of Devon effectively.
While the CCA will offer new financial resources and responsibilities, it remains to be seen if it can meet the high expectations set forth by its proponents. Critics have underscored the need for clarity on how the governance structure will work, particularly the limited voting rights granted to some district council members. This could stifle their voices on pivotal issues like planning and economic development.
Cllr Thomas, leader of Torbay Council, remains optimistic, calling the government’s approval of the CCA “fantastic news.” He outlined how the deal would not only facilitate local decision-making but also streamline the delivery of education and training initiatives across the region. “This devolution deal will give us the power to shape policies affecting our communities directly,” he said.
The proposed devolution pathway for Devon is part of broader discussions across England, where regions have been increasingly seeking to establish or reaffirm their autonomy over local affairs. This trend reflects not just local desires for self-governance but also the central government’s push to decentralize decision-making.
Experts suggest the push for regional governance could revive discussions around mayoral structures. There appear to be contrasting sentiments on whether directly elected mayors are the right route for all areas, especially after recent shifts away from established agreements with Norfolk and Suffolk, where mayoral governance was previously favoured.
The notion and definition of what ‘devolution’ entails is also coming under scrutiny. Local leaders are pressing for clarity on the specific powers the CCA will possess, particularly concerning financial autonomy and developmental governance. They are also advocating for equitable arrangements across diverse council areas without favouring certain regions over others.
The government’s renewed commitment to advancing local devolution frameworks reflects its acknowledgment of the economic potential these regions represent. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government reiterated the need for consultation as negotiations widen to incorporate other local authorities moving forward.
Angela Rayner also acknowledged the need for partners to deepen their negotiations as they carve out their collaborative paths. She emphasized the importance of creating strong, effective local authorities with direct accountability to their constituents.
“We’re not only talking about statistics and memorandums; this is about real people,” Rayner stated. “It’s imperative to create partnerships able to drive local economic growth and improve community welfare.”
This spirit of cooperation may ease tensions between the councils and lay the groundwork for future opportunities. The appointment of CCA members is forthcoming, with local councils and other entities involved closely monitoring developments. Time will tell how these changes will affect governance dynamics throughout the region.
Despite the concerns, there is optimism among community leaders, with many expressing eagerness to witness how this deal can reinvent their governance structures and improve the lives of residents across Devon and Torbay. The approval of the devolution deal is hailed as just the beginning, with calls for continual dialogue to evaluate the effectiveness and adaptability of these new arrangements.
Overall, the Devon and Torbay devolution deal marks the start of significant changes aimed at fostering local empowerment. Whether this initiative will succeed largely depends on the engagement of local leaders and the receptiveness of the community to rallying around these new governance constructs. With eyes on the future, the region is poised to navigate this new chapter of its development.
