JOINT PRESS RELEASE: Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council

Devon, Plymouth and Torbay have been given a boost towards greater control over their own future. In today’s Budget, the Government confirmed it is minded to proceed with a Mayoral Strategic Authority covering the whole area.

The announcement is a vote of confidence in the partnership between the three councils working alongside Devon’s district councils. It builds on the work of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, set up in 2025, and would bring Plymouth in as a full partner.

The new authority would represent a population of 1.25 million with an economy worth over £33.1 billion. It would give the region more powers, more investment and a stronger voice nationally, alongside England’s other mayoral areas.

The partners’ ambition is a more productive, climate-resilient and low-carbon economy, with:

• higher-value jobs;
• better opportunities for young people to stay in, move to and thrive in the region;
• better access to jobs and essential services;
• thriving places where people want to live, work and visit.

The new authority would build on the region’s urban, rural and coastal strengths, including defence and security, marine innovation, agritech and food security, clean energy and the visitor economy. It would focus on:

• Better connected transport: a regional approach to transport investment, with new powers including bus franchising.
• Homes and growth: more affordable homes, employment land and infrastructure, including a strategic partnership with Homes England.
• Skills and young people: a region-wide skills and employment offer, and better careers support so young people can thrive in education and work.
• Investment and innovation: a regional investment fund, stronger business support, and promotion of the region nationally and internationally.
• Resilient places: stronger natural capital and climate resilience, future-proofed energy networks, and an end to digital cold spots.

The mayor would not run councils. Services such as bin collections, schools, social care and local planning decisions would stay with each council and its elected councillors. The mayor and the new authority would lead on issues that cross council boundaries, such as transport, skills, investment and strategic housing growth.  

The public consultation on the proposal has now closed, and every response is being analysed. Residents, businesses and partners from across the region have taken part, and the councils will publish the findings before any decisions are taken. Each council, and the Combined County Authority, will consider the proposal formally over the coming weeks.

Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council and Chair of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, said:
“This is a huge opportunity for Torbay. Working with Devon and Plymouth, we have shown that the South West is ready to take more control of its own future. A mayoral authority can bring the investment, transport improvements and opportunities for young people that our communities deserve and help the English Riviera’s coastal economy thrive all year round.”

Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council and Vice Chair of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, said:
“This is a historic moment for Devon and a real vote of confidence in what we can achieve together. It means we are trusted to take vital decisions which matter in people’s lives closer to home.

 “Devon’s district councils have been central to this from the start, and they will continue to be. Their knowledge of their communities, their local plans and their role in delivering homes and jobs will be at the heart of the new authority.

 “Every part of Devon will have a stronger voice and together we can unlock our county’s enormous potential and create real opportunities for the generations to come.”

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said:
“Today’s announcement shows the Government recognises what Plymouth and its neighbours can achieve together. Plymouth brings a nationally important defence and marine economy, a growing city and a real appetite for investment. As a full partner in a mayoral authority, we can make sure that growth reaches every community, and that the region speaks with one strong voice.”

Next steps

The councils will now consider the consultation findings and the final proposal. Plymouth City Council, the Combined County Authority Board, Devon County Council and Torbay Council will each take formal decisions between November and December 2026. If all agree, and subject to Parliament, the new authority could be in place from Autumn 2027, with the first mayoral election expected in May 2028.

Notes to editors

• The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority was established in 2025.
• A Mayoral Strategic Authority is a type of authority created by the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. It gains powers and funding over areas such as transport, skills, housing and economic growth.