The proposed deal will transfer significant decision-making powers and funding from Whitehall to Devon and Torbay, so that important decisions on local priorities, such as jobs and skills, housing, and the environment, can be made locally.
But first, Devon County Councillors and Torbay Councillors must meet to consider the consultation analysis and to agree next steps.
Nearly 900 responses to the consultation were received from individuals and a broad cross-section of organisations, including Devon’s District councils, Town and Parish councils, and representatives from the business, education and skills, housing, transportation, health service providers and voluntary sectors.
In addition to online consultation, 31 roundtable meetings were held across Devon and Torbay, attended by more than 700 people.
The purpose of the consultation was to seek views on the draft proposal, which all elected Members of Devon County Council and Torbay Council will consider at meetings to be held this month before deciding whether to submit their final proposal for the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA) to the Secretary of State.
The proposal itself was met with a wide range of views both for and against, although unanimous support is not a prerequisite to moving forward.
One thing is clear, however. Although the ‘deal’ may have Devon County and Torbay Councils’ signatures on the paperwork, for devolution to work well for the one million or so residents across Devon and Torbay, the task in hand will require all levels of local government across the two areas – County and Unitary, City, District and Borough, and Town and Parish councils – to work much more closely together.
It will also need the strong influence of advisory groups comprising experts in local industry and the voluntary sector, and geographically representing all parts of Devon and Torbay, working with the Devon and Torbay CCA.
The ‘governance’ – the way that decisions will be made locally and who will be part of the decision-making process – is one of the recurring questions raised during the consultation.
The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act as passed by Parliament makes county and unitary councils responsible for leading Combined County Authorities. The responsibility for leading this CCA therefore falls to democratically-led representatives from Devon County Council and Torbay Council.
However, Cabinet Members at the Devon and Torbay councils this month will be told that it’s ‘critically important’ that Devon’s District councils have a voice in the Devon and Torbay CCA, and the ability to influence its work.
It is proposed that Devon’s City, District and Borough councils, the Devon Association of Local Councils representing Devon’s Town and Parish Councils, the County Council and the two National Park Authorities, will all sit as part of a formal Team Devon Joint Committee to offer its collective voice in the CCA.
District councils and housing associations will also work with Torbay Council’s housing function and the CCA to accelerate delivery of more housing across Devon and Torbay.
District councils will also be involved in the formation of a joint strategic transport plan for Devon and Torbay so that land-use and housing plan areas align to transport plans and sustainable transport options.
In addition, advisory groups comprising representatives with experience and expertise in given fields, eg health, housing or climate change, would also have a role in providing formal advice to the CCA; as will voluntary sector and social enterprise organisations, that will need to work closely with the CCA, making sure that decision-makers are responding to local interests and addressing local priorities.
Through Local Skills Improvement Plans, the proposed CCA will work with business and education leaders to create a stronger, joined-up relationship between employers and schools, colleges and universities to provide the skilled workforce the local economy needs for the future.
Councils are expected to consider a draft constitution setting out its governance in September, when the democratic process will become clear.
Councillor John Hart, Leader of Devon County Council said: “I want to thank everyone who took part in our recent consultation, and to all those who contributed to the debates in events held across Devon and Torbay. All of the comments received has helped inform our decisions.
“On the general principle of whether residents in Devon and Torbay would be better served through devolution of powers and funding, there is consensus of agreement. Decisions made locally on issues that matter most to local residents is a game-changer for the people of Devon and Torbay, and it will open up many more opportunities to improve public services and work closely with Government. How we work across our existing local government structure, and with our partners is key to how this will work.”
Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council said: “I reiterate Cllr Hart’s comment with my thanks as well to everyone that took the time to read, contribute and attend the engagement events for this recent Devolution consultation. We have read all of your thoughts and comments and I encourage you take a look at the papers that will be discussed at our Cabinet meetings to see the collective results.
“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 and why working together is key, as councils and with our stakeholders.”
Devon County Council’s Cabinet meets on Monday 22 April, and Torbay Council’s Cabinet meets on Thursday 25 April to consider the consultation analysis and to discuss the next steps.
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