Before turning to the main focus of this week’s column, I want to reflect on what was a truly fantastic start to the festive season.
Many thousands of people came out to enjoy it - families, friends, and visitors filling the waterfront with a brilliant atmosphere. Thankfully, the weather was kind to us for most of the evening, which helped make the night even more special.
The on-stage performances were outstanding, with amazing acts throughout the evening. A huge thank you to Razzamatazz, a local performing arts school who brought such energy, talent and enthusiasm to the stage and to Harbour UK who delivered a brilliant set of both festive and upbeat songs that really lifted the atmosphere.
We are also extremely grateful to all of the sponsors and partners who helped pull the event together. Without their support, evenings like this simply wouldn’t happen.
It was a great celebration of community spirit at its best. And remember, the Bay of Lights trail and the Christmas market at Torre Abbey continue throughout the month with the addition of the real ice-rink opening this weekend for everyone to enjoy.
Now turning to the main subject, we are entering our third year of setting budget proposals and, once again, we want to hear from you, especially on ideas for where we could make further investments.
For this year’s budget, as with previous years, our focus remains clear: ensuring financial sustainability, careful planning, and delivering what matters most to you.
However, this year’s planning comes with a degree of uncertainty. Like many councils, we are preparing our budget without knowing the exact financial settlement from the Government, which we expect just before Christmas.
While this is not ideal, we are using the best available estimates from experienced advisors. It is a responsible approach that allows us to plan ahead, even when the picture isn’t yet complete.
What we can say with confidence is that
Torbay Council remains in a secure financial position thanks to strict decision-making and forward planning.
As a result, this year’s proposals include relatively few changes compared to last year. There are no major cuts to the services we deliver, and we are targeting resources where pressures have grown over the past 12 months. This is about rebalancing the budget to ensure funding goes where it is genuinely needed.
Looking ahead, forecasts show that the next few years will be financially challenging, with less Government support expected.
We will need to find savings, but our priority is to do this through efficiency rather than reducing the services you value.
We are hopeful that transitional support will help close the remaining gap this year, and we will continue to develop plans to ensure long-term sustainability.
It’s also possible that the funding settlement could exceed expectations, as it did last year. If that happens, we want to know where you think extra funding should go. Your views will help us prioritise.
Two years ago, we launched Operation Brighter Bay and Operation Town Centres in response to what you told us matters most.
Brighter Bay focuses on making our Bay cleaner, greener and safer, while Town Centres tackles anti-social behaviour and its causes, creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels safe. We are asking whether you still see these initiatives as a priority and if the work should continue and now expand into residential areas.
We also want to improve opportunities for children, young people, and those looking to develop skills. Play parks and outdoor spaces remain a priority, and we are listening to young people about what’s missing.
At the same time, we are working to support job creation and attract new businesses to the Bay. We want to know if these areas should continue to be a focus in the year ahead.
Alongside the revenue budget, we are updating our Capital Investment Plan. This includes funding for the Paignton and Preston Waterfront development with enhanced sea defences, major regeneration projects for all three of our town centres, and
restoration plans for The Pavilion in Torquay and
Oldway.
We are also planning improvements to Brixham Fish Market, a new multi-storey car park in Brixham, and expanded employment space to support high-tech industries in Paignton.
Despite the challenges, we remain committed to delivering for Torbay. With you at the heart of everything we do, your feedback is vital.
Together with the Government settlement and input from councillors, your views will help us set a balanced budget for 2026/27 and secure a sustainable future. Consultation on the budget proposals runs from 3rd December 2025 to 18th January 2026.
To take part, please share your views by completing the questionnaire at
torbay.gov.uk/consultation or visit your local library, where paper copies will be available
