700 and counting: Torbay reorganisation survey extended as responses pour in

700 and still counting.

Torbay Council has received over 700 responses to a survey about Local Government Reorganisation.

Whilst this has been a good response so far, they are looking to hear from more residents.

They have decided to extend the deadline for the survey to midnight on Sunday August 31.

The survey gives the opportunity for those who live or work in the Bay to have their say on how services are to be delivered in the future. 

Torbay Council representatives will be out in the community at summer events in the coming weeks.

Firstly, they will be at Babbacombe Fayre on the Downs in Torquay on Sunday August 10, 10am to 4pm.

The following week, Cllr David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, will be delivering a presentation and answering questions on LGR at Scala Hall, Brixham Town Hall on Tuesday August 12, 5pm to 7pm.

The team will then be at Paignton Green as part of Children’s Week on Wednesday August 20, 10am to 4pm.

Anyone wishing to attend the event in Brixham is asked to book in advance. Free tickets are available at https://buytickets.at/torbaycouncil/1802844

The Government has asked all the Councils across Devon to work together to develop a proposal to replace the current system of unitary, district and county councils, with a solely unitary model of local government.  

Torbay Council and Plymouth City Council are already unitary councils. Local government services across the rest of Devon are delivered by Devon County Council and one of the eight district and borough councils through what is termed ‘two tier’ arrangements. Reorganisation would see the end of all two-tier arrangements and see the creation of unitary councils covering all of Devon. 

Following a public event at the Princess Theatre back in March, and having received feedback the community, it was agreed that three potential options for re-organisation would be explored, these are: 

1. Torbay Council remains as it is. 
2. A new unitary council be created covering Torbay, approximately half of South Hams and most of Teignbridge. This is similar to the catchment area of the Torbay and South Devon NHS foundation Trust and mirrors the South Local Care Partnership area. 
3. A new unitary council be created covering the area of Torbay, South Hams, West Devon and Teignbridge. 

The option of a single Devon unitary authority including Torbay, but with or without Plymouth, was discounted.

It was felt that the size of this single authority would be too large for it to be efficient and effective whilst retaining a sense of place and community for Torbay.

An options appraisal must be completed for the final proposal.  However, there is currently a consensus between the political groups on the council that the Bay remaining as it is, is the best option for Torbay’s residents.

Torbay Council are continuing their engagement and consultation phase on LGR throughout August, working towards an interim plan in September. The final proposal must be submitted to the Government on November 28.

Cllr Thomas said: “Torbay is an agile local authority. Whilst on the smaller size of unitary councils, we continually work harder to deliver reliable and meaningful services for our people, whilst retaining a stable financial position.’’

“We will continue to deliver quality services and will put our residents at the heart of everything we do, whatever the outcome from this reorganisation. 

“We will ensure a strong grip on finances, whilst working with our communities and partners towards a sustainable future.”

“I would encourage as many people as possible across Torbay to share your views via our LGR survey, and to visit us at the various events we have coming up across our three towns. We want to shape our futures collectively and make the Bay a place we can all be proud to live and work in.”

More information about the options and the opportunity to feedback can be found at www.torbay.gov.uk/lgr. The survey is still open and will be closing at midnight on Sunday 31 August 2025.

Paper copies of the survey can be found at all four libraries across Torbay.