That Torbay Council’s response to the statutory consultation for proposals for local government reorganisation in Devon (including Plymouth and Torbay) be submitted.

Firstly, to respond to the Government’s invitation to participate in the consultation as a named consultee.  Secondly, to formally represent and record Torbay’s position on the alternative proposals for LGR submitted by other Devon councils, based upon the options appraisal contained within Torbay Council’s proposal for local government reorganisation in Devon.

An alternative option would have been not to submit a response to the consultation.  This option was discounted as Torbay was a named consultee.  Additionally, opting not to respond would not meet the interests, needs and wishes of Torbay’s residents.

This decision will be implemented immediately.

On 5 February the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government launched a statutory consultation to seek views on proposals received for unitary local government reorganisation for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.

The consultation was to consider five proposals from Devon councils.  In addition to (1) Torbay’s own proposal, the consultation included proposals from: (2) Devon County Council; (3) South Hams District Council, Teignbridge District Council and West Devon Borough Council; (4) East Devon District Council, Mid Devon District Council, North Devon Council and Torridge District Council; and (5) Exeter City Council and Plymouth City Council.

The consultation ran for 7 weeks and was scheduled to conclude on 26 March 2026.

Before implementing a proposal, the Government has a statutory requirement to consult any local authority affected by the proposal (but which has not submitted it).

As a named consultee Torbay Council was invited to submit its views on the proposals submitted by other Devon councils.

The constitution of Torbay Council confers on the Chief Executive, in consultation with the relevant member, responsibility for responding on behalf of the Council to such consultations.    

None.