Devon devolution deal backed by Government

Devon and Torbay’s proposal to create a Combined County Authority has been given the green light by the new Government.

A decision by the previous government to establish the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA) was deferred in June pending the General Election in July.
Establishing the CCA is legally required to assume responsibility for new funds and powers transferred by government from Whitehall to Devon and Torbay.

Now, the government has confirmed that the Devon and Torbay proposal, first submitted in May, is officially back on track.

It’s hoped that with draft regulations to create the CCA to be made this autumn, the Devon and Torbay CCA could hold its first meeting early in the new year.

The CCA will enable important decisions to be made locally on local priorities such as jobs and skills, housing, and the environment.

The government has re-confirmed the transfer of £16m capital funding to invest in new green jobs, homes, skills, and business growth and accelerate Devon and Torbay’s transition to a net-zero economy, capitalising on the area’s expertise in green science and technology.

Cllr James McInnes, leader of Devon County Council, said: “After a short pause for the General Election, I’m delighted that the new Government has now considered our joint proposal for the CCA and has confirmed its intention to progress with it.

“Devolving powers and funding will enable the partnership to make a real difference to people’s lives in ways that matter.

The devolution deal would allow local decisions to be made about local priorities, such as housing

“We look forward to working with our District Council colleagues as part of a Team Devon Joint Committee, alongside representatives from our Town and Parish councils and two national parks. The Joint Committee will formalise the partnership that we already have with Team Devon colleagues, to support joint working in a number of areas, including economic development, housing and the environment.

“This is the starting point, and a new relationship with central Government. Our ambition is to deepen the deal as we go forward.
“The door, of course, is still very much open for Plymouth City Council to be in the partnership, and we will continue to work closely with them as we move forward.”

Cllr David Thomas, leader of Torbay Council, said: “It’s fantastic news that we can now move forward with the creation of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority.

“This Devolution Deal will give us and our residents and businesses a stronger voice with Government. It really does give us the opportunity to influence those policies that affect the lives of those that live in Torbay and Devon. Working together – as councils and with the Government and our stakeholders – is key to us meeting our ambitions.”