Devon’s first mayor could bring new powers and investment
Devon’s first elected mayor could have significant new powers and millions of pounds in additional funding to improve public services and support economic growth, following a major announcement in the Government’s Budget.
Chancellor John Healey confirmed that the Government was minded to approve a bid for a Mayoral Strategic Authority covering Devon, Torbay and Plymouth.
The first mayor is expected to take office in spring 2028, with devolved powers over areas including transport, housing, skills and training, and planning.
The proposed authority would represent a population of 1.25 million people and an economy worth more than £33.1 billion. It is intended to give the region greater control over local decisions, access to investment and a stronger voice at national level.
Devon County Council Leader Julian Brazil welcomed the announcement, saying: “The potential of having real game-changing powers and increased funding to make the decisions here which will matter for generations to come is why Devon must have a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
“Everyone, and especially the young of Devon, can’t afford to be left behind by the train for devolution. Devonians tell us their public services are fragmented and they want decisions affecting their everyday lives to be made here.
“[This] Budget confirms it’s time to get a front seat on that train and make sure Devon brings home every single one of the benefits a Mayoralty can bring.”
County Councillor James Buczkowski, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said the measures would provide some welcome help but warned that longer-term pressures remained.
He commented: “The £100 energy payment for eligible households, the extension of zero VAT on domestic electricity and the return of the £2 bus fare cap will provide welcome help. Increased business rates relief will also make a difference to qualifying local shops, pubs and other businesses.
“But much of the household support is temporary. Residents need confidence that they can afford their bills beyond the next few months, and that the services they depend on will remain available.
“The Office for Budget Responsibility makes the underlying problem clear: higher inflation has reduced the purchasing power of existing government spending plans. A three-year council settlement provides certainty about the money coming in, but it does not make rising costs disappear.
“I am disappointed that the Budget has not provided a clear answer to those pressures. Across a large rural county such as Devon, distance and dispersed communities add to the challenge of delivering services. Funding must properly recognise that reality.
“However. the proposed mayoral funding arrangements offer exciting opportunities for greater local control. The assurance that the new mayoral business rates share will protect existing council core funding is really welcome.”