Torbay 'going down wrong route' in councils shake-up

The leader of Torbay's Liberal Democrats claims the wrong path is being chosen for the Bay in Local Government Reorganisation.

Cllr Swithin Long says the Bay's current plan to stay as it is with three other unitary authorities is 'deeply concerning'.

He says: "The announcement by the Conservative administration that they are proposing  aligning Torbay Council with Labour run Plymouth and Exeter and proposing a four Unitary Model for Devon is deeply concerning for Torbay residents number of reasons.

"Ever since the announcement by the Government about Local Government Reform, the Liberal Democrat Group have been very consistent in arguing that Torbay should remain as it is.

"This is for two clear evidenced reasons:

*Torbay has an integrated health and social care model which results in financial stability and also better outcomes for residents with health staff and social care staff working closely together which is a unique way of working compared to most other parts of the country. We have received unequivocal advice that this would end if Torbay’s boundaries change.

*If councils are expanded or divided up then this will result in services having to be broken up and then merged with other Council’s services. This “aggregation” and “dis-aggregation” will not simply happen overnight (especially if there are different IT systems involved) and  it is likely to be costly for local taxpayers.

Devon County Council have listened to representations from Torbay and amended their initial proposals to include Torbay remaining as it is. As a result there was a real opportunity for Torbay to put in a mirror proposal which would have resonated with Government and avoided having to break up and merge services. 

Cllr Long said: "What is concerning about Torbay’s proposal is that as things stand (and officers have confirmed this understanding to me) Plymouth and Exeter will be suggesting that Torbay’s boundaries should be expanded, whereas Torbay will be proposing that we stay as we are. So the three bids will not mirror each other so will not be truly aligned. This I fear would give the Minister in London carte blanche to increase Torbay’s boundaries with all the costs outlined above.

"Under the four Unitary model, what remains of Devon would be rural - and the clear advice (which has been externally verified ) I have received is that Devon would be a financial basket case as a result of this proposal and would take at least 10 years to recover.

"I understand that there is a real concern amongst business about the loss of the Devon brand which is vital for business and tourism.

"There is also real concern (also verified with external advice) that the proposal for an expanded Exeter will not be financially viable and not be an organisation that residents identify with.

"Supporting Devon County’s bid of a new Devon Council Unitary on the current footprint, with Plymouth and Torbay remaining as unitary councils would be best in my view - it will be simple and preserve the Integrated Care Organisation and there would not have to be any breaking up and merging of services. And good relations would be kept with our closest neighbour.