Devon and Torbay unveil plans for community funding and transport improvement
Transport services will continue as normal ahead of major changes this year
The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA) has confirmed it is on track to deliver its £6 million funding allocation through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) this year, while detailing upcoming changes to transport services in the region.
During its January Board meeting, the DTCCA said both funding programmes are delivering measurable results across Devon and Torbay. To ensure all project benefits are realised, the Board approved extensions for selected initiatives, following the Government’s six-month extension.
Examples of the programmes’ impact include support for over 1,000 households in South Hams, Torbay and West Devon with energy advice, alongside direct assistance for 325 households adopting energy-efficiency measures. More than 100 businesses in Teignbridge have also received aid to strengthen the local tourism sector, while 89 young people at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) in East Devon exceeded target support by 250%.
Some projects will now extend to September 2026 to account for earlier national delays, ensuring outcomes are fully delivered.
Transport changes
The DTCCA also discussed its upcoming role as the statutory Local Transport Authority starting 1st April 2026. Transport services will continue as normal for residents during 2026/27 through a phased approach.
This transitional arrangement includes Travel Devon remaining the main travel information platform, while subsidised bus services and concessionary fare schemes will be operationally delivered by Devon County Council and Torbay Council during this initial period to maintain stability.
Long-term transport funding
The Government has confirmed £541.2 million in transport funding for Devon and Torbay between 2026/27 and 2029/30, consolidating multiple previous grants into one flexible pot to support long-term planning.
Most capital funding will go towards highways maintenance responsibilities handled by Devon County Council and Torbay Council. The DTCCA will develop a Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) which outlines how these funds will be prioritised over the settlement period. Indicative proposals will span highways, active travel, junction improvements, and public transport.
Further details on governance and investment priorities will be reviewed at a DTCCA Board meeting in March 2026.
Cllr David Thomas, Chair of the DTCCA, said:
"We very much welcome the certainty that comes with a multi-year transport funding settlement. It gives us the stability we need to plan ahead and invest wisely across our transport network. This clarity allows us to prioritise the right schemes at the right time and ensures we make the most of every pound for residents. Alongside this, it’s encouraging to see the full allocation of UKSPF and REPF funding being delivered locally, supporting communities, strengthening local economies and helping people across Devon and Torbay."
Cllr Julian Brazil, Vice Chair of the DTCCA, said:
"The multi-year settlement is a real step forward in supporting long-term planning for transport across our area, and it will help us develop a coherent programme that spans highways, active travel and public transport improvements. It gives us the tools to build a transport system that works better for the long term. I’m also pleased to see strong progress on UKSPF and REPF - these programmes are delivering real benefits, from supporting young people to helping households improve energy efficiency, and the extension ensures no community misses out."