Government Backs Devolution Deal for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay
New Mayoral Strategic Authority aims to boost regional control, investment, and economic growth across Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay.
By Verity Coombes
••3 min read
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Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay are set to gain greater control over their future following the Government's confirmation in today's Budget of its intention to proceed with a Mayoral Strategic Authority for the entire area.
This announcement signifies a vote of confidence in the collaborative partnership between the three councils, working alongside Devon’s district councils. The proposed authority builds upon the existing Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, established in 2025, and would integrate Plymouth as a full partner. Representing a population of 1.25 million and an economy valued at over £33.1 billion, the new body aims to secure more powers, attract greater investment, and amplify the region's national voice.
The partners aspire to foster a more productive, climate-resilient, and low-carbon economy, focusing on creating higher-value jobs, enhancing opportunities for young people to remain and thrive in the region, improving access to essential services, and developing vibrant places for living, working, and visiting. The authority will leverage the region's strengths in defence and security, marine innovation, agritech, food security, clean energy, and the visitor economy.
Key areas of focus for the new authority include better transport connectivity with a regional approach and new powers such as bus franchising; increased affordable housing, employment land, and infrastructure development in partnership with Homes England; a region-wide skills and employment offer to support young people; a regional investment fund and enhanced business support; and improved natural capital, climate resilience, energy networks, and digital connectivity.
Local services such as bin collections, schools, social care, and planning decisions will remain with individual councils. The mayor and the new authority will address cross-boundary issues like transport, skills, investment, and strategic housing growth. Public consultation on the proposal has concluded, with responses currently under analysis. Findings will be published before final decisions are made by each council and the Combined County Authority in the coming weeks.
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"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."
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"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."
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"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."
The next steps involve councils considering the consultation findings and the final proposal. Formal decisions will be made by Plymouth City Council, the Combined County Authority Board, Devon County Council, and Torbay Council between November and December 2026. If agreed, and subject to parliamentary approval, the new authority could be established by Autumn 2027, with the first mayoral election anticipated in May 2028.
