Mayoral authority for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay backed in Budget
Councils will consider the proposal formally in the coming weeks
The Government has confirmed it will move forward with plans for a mayoral strategic authority covering Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.
Chancellor John Healey announced in his budget today (28 October) that Devon is one of 10 areas the government is progressing with devolution agreements with, which would mean a mayor covering the entire country.
The new authority would represent a population of 1.25 million, with an economy worth more than £33.1 billion and give the region more powers, more investment and a stronger voice nationally, alongside England's other mayoral areas.
The plan builds on the work of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, which was set up in 2025 and would bring Plymouth in as a full partner.
The proposal has been developed by Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council, working alongside Devon's district councils.
Priorities for the new authority
The councils say the authority would focus on five areas:
- On transport, they want a regional approach to investment, with new powers including bus franchising.
- On homes and growth, they want more affordable homes, employment land and infrastructure, including a strategic partnership with Homes England.
- On skills and young people, they want a region-wide skills and employment offer, and better careers support so young people can thrive in education and work.
- On investment and innovation, they want a regional investment fund, stronger business support, and promotion of the region nationally and internationally.
- On resilient places, they want stronger natural capital and climate resilience, future-proofed energy networks, and an end to digital cold spots.
What the mayor would not do
The mayor would not run councils and services such as bin collections, schools, social care and local planning decisions would stay with each council and its elected councillors.
The mayor and the new authority would lead on issues that cross council boundaries, such as transport, skills, investment and strategic housing growth.
What happens next
The public consultation on the proposal has closed, and every response is being analysed.
People, businesses and partners from across the region took part and the councils will publish the findings before any decisions are taken.
Each council, and the Combined County Authority, will consider the proposal formally over the coming weeks.
Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: "Today's announcement shows the Government recognises what Plymouth and its neighbours can achieve together. Plymouth brings a nationally important defence and marine economy, a growing city and a real appetite for investment. As a full partner in a mayoral authority, we can make sure that growth reaches every community, and that the region speaks with one strong voice."
Councillor David Thomas, leader of Torbay Council and chair of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, said: "This is a huge opportunity for Torbay. Working with Devon and Plymouth, we have shown that the South West is ready to take more control of its own future. A mayoral authority can bring the investment, transport improvements and opportunities for young people that our communities deserve and help the English Riviera's coastal economy thrive all year round."
Councillor Julian Brazil, leader of Devon County Council and vice chair of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, said: "This is a historic moment for Devon and a real vote of confidence in what we can achieve together. It means we are trusted to take vital decisions which matter in people's lives closer to home.
"Devon's district councils have been central to this from the start, and they will continue to be. Their knowledge of their communities, their local plans and their role in delivering homes and jobs will be at the heart of the new authority. Every part of Devon will have a stronger voice and together we can unlock our county's enormous potential and create real opportunities for the generations to come."