Could Torbay join a new ‘super council’?

People who live or work in Torbay are being invited to share their views on how local government should be delivered in the future.

Torbay Council has launched a consultation following a Government request for proposals on how councils across Devon could be reorganised into a single-tier system.

At a Cabinet meeting in March, councillors agreed to explore three options in response to the request:

• Torbay Council remains as it is

• A new unitary authority covering Torbay, half of South Hams and most of Teignbridge

• A wider unitary authority covering Torbay, South Hams, West Devon and Teignbridge

An alternative option for a single unitary council covering all of Devon – including Torbay, with or without Plymouth – has been ruled out. The council believes such a model would be too large to serve communities effectively.

Torbay Council Leader David Thomas said: “The Government has requested that we work with all the councils across Devon to develop proposals for a single tier of local government in the county.

"What is important is that we need to ensure what we submit is right for Torbay. We need to be part of this conversation in order to influence the outcome.”

He added that the council’s preference is to retain its current structure, citing its stable financial position and ambition to continue delivering improvements locally.

The consultation survey is available online until midnight on Sunday 10 August 2025, with paper copies available in Torbay’s four public libraries from Friday 4 July.

Residents and workers are encouraged to visit www.torbay.gov.uk/lgr to learn more and share their views.