Torbay communities are benefitting thanks to the Council’s improvements in Children’s Service’s finances. 

The Council’s Partnership Administration made it a priority to improve Children's Services in Torbay. This has led to reduced costs in front line agency staff and independent residential care provisions.  

Despite years of austerity, investment has been made into Torbay Children’s Services and this is now starting to bear fruit, most recently with a “Good” Oftsed rating.  With a tighter grip on finances, Torbay Council has been able to invest in other areas to enable communities to thrive.  

Deputy Leader of Torbay Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Darren Cowell, said: “Children’s Services make up almost a third of our overall budget and so future proofing the financial stability of this service has been key to our long-term success. This financial astuteness has in turn, released resources which we have been able to invest in our place-based services.  

“As local families are facing challenging times, we want to instil confidence that we are running a local authority that offers value for money for all residents. 

“Underspends in previous years meant that we have been able to invest in front line services such as bus subsidies, Paignton festoon sea front lights and tackling climate change with tree planting. 

“In this financial year we have been able to provide additional funds to support communities by taking a proactive approach to the housing crisis, including resources to bring empty properties back into use, driving up private sector housing standards and progressing the development of sites with planning permission. 

“We are investing in Torbay’s economy with upgrades to our carparks, improving lighting and signage and street cleanliness. Free public toilet passes are being made available for vulnerable residents in recognition that some individuals and groups find contactless payment and pay-as-you-go difficult. Tackling climate change is a key priority area which we are now able to invest more heavily in. We are also taking a proactive approach to raising awareness around road safety, especially around our schools. 

“We are committed to continue our ambition to empower communities and to help them create opportunities so they can prosper and thrive.”