We are proposing to launch a review into racism in the area, in response to the death of George Floyd and the global Black Lives Matter movement.

We will work closely on the review with a range of local and regional, public, private and voluntary sector partners.

Members of the public will also get the chance to submit their views and questions on the matter. The review will launch in September with a series of panels with partners including education, culture, NHS and local business sectors, with a final report and recommendations to be presented in March 2021.

Protests around the world started after George Floyd died at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, USA in May, including mass demonstrations in London and Bristol, and this has prompted Torbay to launch a local review.

Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council, said: “The main question we want to answer with this review is “How do we make Black, Asian and minority ethnic lives matter in Torbay?”

“As a Council we are absolutely committed to respecting equality and diversity and we want to understand more about how some of our communities here are disadvantaged, and what we can do to improve things here in the Bay. It’s a global issue but we can all play our own part, however small, to make the world a better and more equitable place.”

Councillor Jermaine Atiya-Alla, Torbay’s first black councillor said: “This will be a holistic, inclusive and comprehensive approach to exploring the issue of racism in Torbay which engages with the community and allows them the space and time to voice their experiences and views to civic leaders and local and national decision makers.”

Deputy Leader Cllr Darren Cowell said: “Our Community and Corporate Plan is based on ensuring our local community thrives so we are absolutely committed to ensuring that all sections of our community thrive.”

A proposal for the Review is being presented to Cabinet on 11 August and subject to approval the Review itself is expected to launch in early September with a call for views from local residents and partners.

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