To receive any communications or announcements from the Leader of the Council.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Steve Darling, expressed his disappointment in the ceasing of the regulations that permitted the Council to hold decision making public meetings virtually and hoped that the Government would in the longer term consider bestowing powers upon Council’s to decide the most appropriate format for their public meetings.

Councillor Steve Darling also advised that the Council had recently undertaken a peer review, assisted by the Local Government Association.  The Partnership considered the peer review to be a ‘half time’ report which had provided the Partnership with the reassurance that the community was at the heart of decision making within Torbay.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing, Councillor Long, informed Members that TorVista Homes had purchased properties at Bishops Place, the purchase demonstrated the Partnerships commitment to intervene in the market and drive positive change and provide affordable housing.

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Cowell, advised Members that Torbay Council had been nominated as Co-operative Council of the Year predominately for the work of the Food Alliance and encouraged people to vote online at www.uk.coop/vote.

The Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture, Councillor Morey, announced that Torbay had been awarded Blue Flags for six of Torbay’s beaches with a further four beaches being awarded the Seaside Award.

To receive any communications or announcements from the Leader of the Council.