To receive apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Board.

Apologies for absence were received from Carolyn Custerson and Steve Reynolds.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Board held on  15 December 2025.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Torbay Place Leadership Board held on 15 December 2025 were confirmed as a correct record.

Sean Anstee from Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA) presented the published report, detailing the work undertaken so far, the role of the CCA and the current status of its rollout. Members questioned the current status of the Spatial Development Strategy, with Mr Anstee confirming that a draft Strategy had been developed and that conversations with neighbouring authorities were ongoing.

Discussion points included:

·       the differing levels of Local Authority and their differences.

·       the ultimate aims of the CCA.

·       transport responsibilities, specifically focussing on railway networks.

·       the clarity of messaging in relation the CCAs role, especially in light of Local Government Reorganisation.

·       how Members of the Board can best engage with the CCA.

Action – to distribute details of CCA advisory groups, forums and other outreach opportunities to Members of the Board, and to bring the issue to the next meeting to determine how the Board may best engage with the CCA (Jon-Paul Hedge).

The Director of Regeneration detailed the latest position on ten significant projects across the Bay. Members discussed public engagement and outreach, engagement with One Public Estate and the sharing of public and private resources that may result. Members also queried engagement with eye health specialists in ongoing discussions with the NHS estate.

Action: future meetings with One Public Estate to include representatives of Torbay Place Leadership Board (Jon Paul Hedge.)

Representatives from Historic England discussed ongoing projects around Torbay, along with a number of projects of interest from other areas. Examples of other areas with effective heritage strategies were discussed, along with how awareness has been raised, and value demonstrated. Members queried how lower-profile heritage assets may be better protected, and how museums may be more effectively utilised.

Actions:

1.     follow-up sessions to be arranged with Torbay Council representatives to give a full update on heritage locations and ongoing heritage work. (Jon-Paul Hedge.)

2.    further meetings to be arranged with representatives of Historic England, Torbay Council, Torbay Place Leadership Board (Jon-Paul Hedge.)

To update members on progress of the two boards, and to consider the role of the Torbay Place Leadership Board.

The Interim Pace Manager gave Members a verbal update on the progress of Torquay Place Leadership Board, detailing the funding secured, the current progress with allocation of funding, and the relationship with Torbay Council. The Paignton Place Leadership Board was also discussed, including the Member selection process which is currently under way. It was noted that the area covered by this funding is significantly smaller than the existing Torquay fund, and the funding priorities from Central Government appear to focus on smaller, hyper-local initiatives than Torquay’s funding.

The Chief Executive and Leader of the Council gave an update on the current status of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), confirming that they anticipate knowing the outcome by mid-July. It was confirmed that change management preparation was under way at a senior level, but that this cannot progress fully until a decision is made by Central Government. Members also discussed Police reform and how this may relate to LGR changes.

Action – Police reform to be bought to a future meeting for wider discussion (Jon-Paul Hedge).