The Leader of the Council is recommending that our proposal will be based on four unitary councils:
Plymouth City Council and Exeter City Council are also advancing similar proposals, but with slight variations. Their approach includes extending the boundaries of Torbay Council to include areas of South Hams and Teignbridge.
In developing our proposal, we have successfully engaged with our residents. We had 1,430 responses to our engagement survey. The feedback showed that 64% of respondents support Torbay Council remaining as it is. Many expressed their confidence in how things are run, a strong sense of local identity, and the importance of financial sustainability and democratic representation.
Throughout September and October, we held online discussions with stakeholders across Torbay. This included representatives from partner organisations, the voluntary sector, housing providers, and local businesses. Their insights have been invaluable in shaping a proposal that reflects the diversity and distinctiveness of our region.
The proposal will be considered by Cabinet on 18 November and Full Council on 20 November. The deadline to submit our proposal to Government is 28 November.