A number of organisations and groups in Torbay to benefit from funds raised from the Adult Social Care Precept.

In 2015 councils were allowed to increase council tax to support paying for social care services for adults. These are services which help people with physical or mental disabilities or mental health needs carry out their daily routines. These extra funds are called the Adult Social Care Precept.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust receive 50% of the precept and the remainder, which is just under £700,000, will be used to increase and improve Adult Social Care’s partnership with the community. This is to keep the residents of Torbay well, happy and connected to their local community and to increase the amount of time before they need formal health and social care.

Leader of Torbay Council, Councillor Steve Darling, said: “We have talked to residents, partners and community and voluntary sector partners about what we should be doing in Torbay to improve their lives. Our vision for this precept is to have thriving people and a buoyant economy in the Bay. The precept will contribute to developing communities and neighbourhoods to help people in poverty, develop mutual support and increase employment and volunteering opportunities.”

Councillor Jackie Stockman, Cabinet Member for Adults and Public Health said: “The proposals we have created are designed to have a direct positive impact on people, to keep them well and independent. They complement and develop what is happening in a number of projects that are already underway and in services that are in place. This additional funding will increase the pace and improve the outcomes that can be achieved. They also build on the successful partnership work with Voluntary Sector Partners and the people of Torbay during the COVID pandemic.”

The type of projects that the Precept will benefit include:

• Funding project that will help local communities take their own social action in their neighbourhoods
• Develop and increase the support for the learning disability community
• Continue to support the Torbay Helpline
• Provide support and develop much needed mental health services

To see the full list of projects that will be supported with this Precept visit our Adult Social Care webpages.