The Government has accepted a joint proposal for Local Government Reorganisation in Devon that will create a new unitary council serving Torquay, Paignton and Brixham together with 22 parishes currently in Teignbridge and South Hams.
What the change means for Torbay
Torbay has been a unitary authority for some time and already delivers the full range of local services within its borders. Under the new arrangements the area will be grouped with surrounding parishes into a single new council, while the rest of Devon will be reorganised into three other unitary authorities covering Plymouth, Exeter and the remaining rural and coastal areas.
Locally, leaders have emphasised that residents should not expect immediate disruption to services. The leader of Torbay Council, Councillor David Thomas, said the council had sought to retain current boundaries but will now work with partners on a managed transition over the coming months.
“Our submission to Government was for Torbay to stay the same, sticking with our current boundaries. This isn’t the result we wanted, but I recognise that Government has made their decision and here in Torbay we will embrace this change.”
How services are organised now — and what could change
At present much of Devon operates a two-tier system: Devon County Council handles county-wide responsibilities such as education, transport and adult social care, while district councils provide planning, housing, waste collection and environmental health. Torbay and Plymouth already operate on a unitary basis, combining those roles within one authority.
Under the Government’s programme to replace two-tier structures, councils were invited to put forward proposals for how services should be organised. Five different plans were considered by ministers before this decision was made. Officials have indicated there will be a transition period of up to 18 months while the new councils are established.
- New unitary for Torquay, Paignton and Brixham plus 22 parishes from Teignbridge and South Hams.
- Plymouth and its surrounding area to form a second unitary authority.
- Exeter and its natural catchment to form a third unitary authority.
- The remaining rural and coastal parts of Devon to be governed by a fourth unitary authority.
| Current arrangement | New arrangement |
|---|---|
| Two-tier in most of Devon (County + districts) | Four unitary authorities across Devon |
| Torbay & Plymouth already unitary | Torbay area incorporated into a new unitary covering Torquay, Paignton, Brixham + 22 parishes |
What happens next
Councillors and council officers will now begin work to plan the transition. Torbay Council has said there will be no immediate changes to frontline services and pledged to keep residents updated as arrangements progress. Over the coming months residents can expect information about how local representation, council tax arrangements and service delivery will be managed during the handover to the new authority.
For residents, the practical details to watch for will include any changes to:
- how to contact council services (phone numbers, online portals and offices);
- who provides education, adult social care and transport services; and
- how planning and housing services are administered.
Local leaders have said they will work together to ensure a stable transition and to represent Torbay’s interests in the new arrangements.
Further announcements are expected as councils draw up implementation plans and timetables over the next 18 months.
