Devolution deal to give Devon and Torbay 'more powers' gets mixed reaction in North Devon

Proposals for a ‘devolution deal’ that could see Devon and Torbay with more say over crucial local issues such as affordable homes, adult education, jobs and public transport have been formally unveiled.

As part of the government’s ’levelling up’ initiative, the proposed deal would see the transfer of a range of powers and funding from Whitehall to a new Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA) that would also cover North Devon and Torridge.

It was unveiled in Paignton yesterday (Thursday, January 25) by Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young, with support from the leaders of Devon County Council and Torbay Council.

The ‘level two’ deal does not require an elected mayor for the region and the current council structure won’t change. Instead, the combined board would be made up of councillors from the two councils, as well as district councillors and representatives from business and education.

Both council cabinets will meet on Friday, February 2 to consider support for the proposals, followed by a six week public consultation.

So far in North Devon there has been mixed reaction, with North Devon Council leader Ian Roome saying the council was ‘eager to participate’ in the forthcoming consultation.

But Councillor Frank Biederman, leader of the county council Independent and Green Group, said he was ‘sceptical there will be any real benefits’.

The new CCA would have direct devolved powers on issues including adult education plus £16million in funding to ‘invest in new green jobs, homes, skills, and business growth and accelerate Devon and Torbay’s transition to a net-zero economy’.

It is proposed to enable greater powers to create affordable housing schemes, that could include compulsory purchase powers.

On public transport, the deal proposes a ‘joined up approach’ with ambitions to introduce a single ticketing system for travellers and investment in services.

The CCA would also work with business and education sectors to promote the growth of the economy through areas such as marine engineering, defence and digital and to improve communities and town centres.

In North Devon, NDC leader Ian Roome said: “As a district council, we are eager to participate in the consultation on devolution.

“We understand the importance of ensuring that local services are adequately funded and continually improved.

“Therefore, we will actively engage in the consultation process and provide our input to support the development of effective policies that benefit our community and ensure funding is spent locally.”

But Cllr Biederman, Independent and Green Group leader on the county council, had some concerns. He said: “I will be interested to listen to the final proposal and the fine details of the agreement. But given the history of this government, I am very sceptical that there will be any real benefits to Devon and its residents despite them trying to make it sound like it’s a really big deal.

“If history has taught me anything it is that the districts furthest from Exeter will be the poor relation in the partnership. Lets face it, the Government tell us they are levelling us up, but the reality is Devon County Council receives around £50million a year less than when this party came to power in Westminster and North Devon District have lost nearly half their spending power, so they are actually levelling us down and trying to hide it by throwing us crumbs under this devolution deal.

“So if this government told me it’s raining outside, I would put my head out the window before believing any of it.

“What I can see is another level of costly bureaucracy as the only certainty.”

But county council leader John Hart said this was ‘just the beginning of new opportunities that we can build on’.

He said: “This proposed devolution deal is hugely significant and long-awaited. If agreed, the devolvement of funding and powers will enable us as a partnership to make a real difference to people’s lives in ways that matter to most of them.

“It will enable us tackle real challenges, such as the shortage of affordable housing, and a need for more investment to support local businesses. It will bring new training and re-training opportunities, increasing productivity and pay.”