Devon’s devolution deal is backed by the Government
Published: 20 September 2024
Devon and Torbay’s proposal to create a Combined County Authority has been backed by the new Government.
A decision by the previous Government, to establish the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA), was deferred in June pending the General Election in July.
Establishing the CCA is legally required to assume responsibility for new funds and powers transferred by Government from Whitehall to Devon and Torbay.
Devon and Torbay’s final proposal for the CCA followed a widespread consultation that drew responses from a cross-section of organisations including Devon’s district councils, town and parish councils, and representatives from the business, education and skills, housing, transportation, health service providers and voluntary sectors.
The deal does not involve any local government reorganisation and does not need an elected mayor.
It is hoped that with draft regulations to create the CCA to be made this Autumn, the Devon and Torbay CCA could hold its first meeting early in the New Year.
The CCA will deliver the devolution deal – a whole raft of powers, responsibilities, and funding, devolved to Devon and Torbay from Whitehall – and will enable important decisions to be made locally on local priorities such as jobs and skills, housing, and the environment.
With potential for the range of devolved powers to expand, the current proposals would see the new body having direct control of adult education to create up to 50,000 new training and retraining opportunities by 2030.
Through Local Skills Improvement Plans, the proposed CCA will work with business and education leaders to create a stronger, joined-up relationship between employers and schools, colleges and universities to provide the skilled workforce the local economy needs for the future.
The Government has re-confirmed the transfer of £16 million capital funding to invest in new green jobs, homes, skills, and business growth and accelerate Devon and Torbay’s transition to a net-zero economy, capitalising on the area’s world-leading expertise in green science and technology.
The CCA would be responsible for working with Devon County Council, Torbay Council, District Councils including Exeter and the business and education sectors to support high growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing, marine engineering, defence, photonics and digital.
One of the first tasks of the CCA would be to agree a Local Growth Plan working with the private sector which set out clear priorities and an investment plan.
There will also be close collaboration and productive joint working between the CCA and Police and Crime Commissioner.