The Leader of the Council advised that Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust were seriously considering ending the Section 75 Partnership Agreement with Torbay Council for the delivery of Adult Social Care in Torbay.  

It was noted that the Torbay Integrated Care Organisation represented a pioneering, fully integrated health and social care model aligned with the NHS 10-Year Plan and currently under consideration by the Casey Commission as part of national reform.  

The Trust did not believe consultation with residents was required; however, it was highlighted that such a decision would constitute a substantial change and that consultation should take place.  Whilst the Council cannot force the Trust to undertake consultation, the Council can make everyone aware of the potential for such a decision to be made.  Members were informed that decisions were likely in January and February, with notice potentially being given by 31 March 2026.  

The Leader of the Council emphasised that the Torbay Model had historically reduced hospital admissions and that Council funding had been verified as fair, with financial pressures arising from system behaviours rather than underfunding.  Transformation plans existed but had not been implemented. Regular dialogue had taken place with the Chair of the Trust, who supported integration but required NHS financial backing.  The Leader of the Council expressed disappointment that no invitation had been extended to present the case to the Trust Board.  Discussions were expected with NHS England and cross-government departments.  

All Leaders on the Council were united in support of maintaining the integrated arrangements and collectively called on Government to ensure their continuation.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 2 December 2025.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 2 December 2025 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

(a)       To receive declarations of non pecuniary interests in respect of items on this agenda.

For reference: Having declared their non pecuniary interest members may remain in the meeting and speak and, vote on the matter in question. A completed disclosure of interests form should be returned to the Clerk before the conclusion of the meeting.

(b)       To receive declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests in respect of items on this agenda.

For reference: Where a Member has a disclosable pecuniary interest he/she must leave the meeting during consideration of the item. However, the Member may remain in the meeting to make representations, answer questions or give evidence if the public have a right to do so, but having done so the Member must then immediately leave the meeting, may not vote and must not improperly seek to influence the outcome of the matter. A completed disclosure of interests form should be returned to the Clerk before the conclusion of the meeting.

(Please Note: If Members and Officers wish to seek advice on any potential interests they may have, they should contact Governance Support or Legal Services prior to the meeting.)

Councillor Bye declared a non-pecuniary interest as set out in Minute 70.

The Cabinet considered the following matters, full details of which (including the Cabinet’s decisions) are set out in the Record of Decisions appended to these Minutes.

To hear and respond to any written questions or statements from members of the public which have been submitted in accordance with Standing Order A24.

In accordance with Standing Order A24, the Cabinet heard from Mr Tom Crump who had submitted a statement and question in relation to the nomination to list The Edge, Brixham as an Asset of Community Value.  The Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events and Corporate Services, Councillor Jackie Thomas, responded to the question and the statement that had been put forward.

To consider a report on a nomination to list The Edge, Brixham as an Asset of Community Value.

To consider a report on a nomination to list The Monastery, Paignton as an Asset of Community Value.

To consider a report that seeks authorisation to dispose of the freehold interest of land and buildings that are surplus to the Council’s commercial and/or operational requirements.

To consider a report that seeks approval of the Brixham Town Centre Vision and Torbay Vision.

To consider a report on the above.

To consider a report that seeks approval to proceed to formal public consultation on the draft Torbay Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-30.

To consider a report that sets out the progress that Torbay Council has made in promoting equality in the past year.

To consider the attached motion, notice of which has been given in accordance with Standing Order A14 by the members indicated.