New authority to replace Torbay Council in 2028
Torbay’s leadership has sought to calm concerns that the proposed local government shake-up amounts to a takeover of neighbouring communities. Ministers’ plans, announced last week, would create a single unitary council covering the bay and parts of South Devon, but politicians and officials here say the arrangement will be a partnership rather than an absorption.
The existing Torbay borough will be replaced by a brand-new unitary authority in spring 2028. Under the plans, the bay’s current boundary would be extended to include 17 towns and villages from Teignbridge — examples given include Teignmouth and Newton Abbot — and four communities from the South Hams, among them Kingswear, Marldon and Stoke Gabriel.
“It is a partnership of equals,” said Torbay’s Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling. “This needs to be seen as a partnership across South Devon. It is not a takeover.”
What changes for councillors and local representation
Torbay Council will cease to exist when the new authority begins. The current councillors will not stand at the May 2027 elections as representatives of the existing council; instead their terms will be extended until the new body takes over in April 2028.
Election of members to a shadow authority is scheduled for spring 2027. The shadow body will operate alongside existing councils during the transition period before full powers transfer in 2028.
- New unitary name: provisionally referred to as Torbay and Southern Devon, but the official title is not yet confirmed.
- Town and parish councils: Torquay and Paignton will remain without town or parish councils; Brixham already has its own town council.
- Role of place boards: the Torbay Place Leadership Board and its Paignton counterpart will be important in representing local communities through the change.
Local context and next steps
Torbay’s chief executive, Anne Marie Bond, emphasised that the new authority will be a fresh organisation, with contributions from across South Devon, rather than a simple enlargement of the current borough. Officials and board members have acknowledged public unease over what the new boundaries mean for local identity and services, and they say continued engagement will be vital as detailed plans are developed.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start of new unitary | April 2028 |
| Shadow authority elections | Spring 2027 |
| Communities added | 17 from Teignbridge; 4 from South Hams (examples: Kingswear, Marldon, Stoke Gabriel) |
Residents and community groups will be watching closely as town boundaries, local representation and the delivery of services are worked through. Further clarity is expected as officers and councillors from the affected areas meet to shape the detailed governance model for the new unitary.
