That Torbay Council submit its response to the Government’s SCO questions (as appended).

Firstly, to respond to the Government’s invitation to participate in the drafting of any SCO for LGR in Devon. Secondly, to formally represent and record Torbay’s position on the options for the representations and implementation structures that could be used in a SCO.

An alternative option would have been not to submit a response to the invitation to respond to the SCO questions. This option was discounted as Torbay would be an affected council if either the Plymouth and Exeter or Districts’ LGR proposal is selected by Government. Additionally, opting not to respond would not meet the interests, needs and wishes of Torbay’s residents.

This decision will be implemented immediately.

On 19 May the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Co-Deputy Director of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) wrote to the Chief Executives of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay councils inviting views on any Structural Change Order (SCO) that may be created as a result of a decision to implement a proposal for LGR in Devon.  

The SCO is a statutory instrument made by the Secretary of State under Section 7 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, used to reorganise local government structures, transferring functions, dissolving existing councils and establishing new authorities.

The SCO sets out the representations and implementation structures that will be used to deliver these changes. As part of the drafting process, Government seeks the views on certain provisions that will be included in the SCO from all councils that may be affected.

The matters on which views were sought are set out in the Government’s letter dated 19 May 2026. All Devon councils were asked to work together to respond to these questions by 16 June 2026, whilst work has been done together, there is not consensus on all points. It is agreed therefore that each council will submit its own response, clearly identifying areas where there is agreement.

None