Dave Thomas: New scheme for residents aims to strengthen Torbay economy

Whilst I was campaigning across Torbay in 2023, many residents told me and my colleagues that you wanted the council to do more for the people who live in Torbay. That’s why we are delighted to bring forward the ‘My Bay’ scheme which opens from Monday September 2. A scheme for Torbay residents only! 

The cost of living has been getting more expensive in recent times, so ‘My Bay’ is designed to help make your money go further and at the same time, designed to provide an important boost for local businesses by increasing footfall and trade in our high streets and attractions all year round.

Another significant benefit will be to encourage us to get out and about a little more, to make the most of our beautiful surroundings and support some of the fantastic businesses we have, literally, across the whole bay. I know it is far too easy to take what we have for granted, for example, when was the last time you had a day out with the family at one of our amazing attractions.

So, what is ‘My Bay’? 

It is simply a scheme that provides free parking together with easy access to the bay’s toilets using a ‘card’, plus discounts on food, goods, accommodation and attractions across Torbay.

The My Bay scheme has been designed as a win-win for our residents and businesses alike. For businesses, it’s free to become a partner, and I would encourage all businesses to take full advantage of this exciting new initiative, with nothing to lose. For residents, the scheme is open for anyone who is aged 16 or over and lives in Torbay. 

You will need to apply for a My Bay resident card, and we will ask you for evidence that you live in Torbay. There is also a one-off £10 non-refundable fee to cover the scheme’s running costs, however once you join the scheme we issue with a My Bay card loaded with £10 worth of entry to Torbay public toilets, equal to 33 visits. You simply present your card at the card reader to gain entry at the toilet barriers.

The card will also unlock offers and discounts on retail and leisure to make the most of your trip out and about. You can find these at a range of local businesses and attractions across Torbay.

Full details of the businesses and their offers, and terms and conditions, will be available on our website. The offers will change from time to time, so you can sign up for an email newsletter to keep you updated, as well as checking back on our website.

Eligible scheme members can also get a parking permit at no additional cost. This gives you an extra hour of free parking when you buy a physical ticket for an hour or more in Torbay Council’s pay-and-display car parks. In order to get the parking permit, when you apply you will need to provide proof of your driving licence and a V5 vehicle registration document with your name and the same Torbay address. Once your application is validated and you have paid the fee, we will post both the physical card and parking permit. These will be valid from January 1, 2025 to March 2026.

This ‘early-bird’ sign-up period opens on Monday September 2, and runs until November, ready for the scheme going live on January 1, 2025. There will be a second sign-up opportunity, around April 2025, but I would urge you to get on board now so that can you get more value and start using your card straight away. In other words, the early bird gets up to 16 months for the cost of 12.

Clearly, the more you use the My Bay scheme, the more value you will get. We estimate as a My Bay member, you could save between £45 and £75 a year in total. (Just using the card once a month – use it more would be a significantly greater saving.)

Residents and businesses can find out more information about the scheme, including how to apply or submit a business offer, on our website at www.torbay.gov.uk/mybay

If you cannot sign-up online, help will be available from Monday September 2 at the libraries in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. You will need to take with you the relevant documents that are needed for you to sign up. Help will also be available from September 2 via a dedicated phone line on 01803 207900.

I look forward to seeing your social media posts using the ‘My Bay’ card and keeping more of our money within Torbay.