Why do we need a devolution deal?
Devon and Torbay is a special place with enormous potential in its businesses, people and places. But Devon and Torbay face challenges that impact productivity levels and the ability to grow:
- Productivity lags behind the UK average and requires an 30% increase to close the gap.
- Public spending per person has historically trailed the rest of the UK.
- Rural, urban and the coastal areas suffer from nationally significant levels of poverty.
- Social mobility and youth aspiration and progression are particular areas of concern.
- Young people are leaving the area due to a lack of available housing and attractive employment opportunities.
- There are significant challenges with skills and educational performance and pockets of nationally significant educational need.
We believe that our proposal for a Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority will help us address these challenges.
The benefits we believe our proposal will bring to Devon and Torbay
With a population of 953,000 and a Gross Value Added of over £17 billion, Devon and Torbay offer enormous potential. We have nearly 50,000 businesses providing around 473,000 jobs. There are significant sectors with the potential for growth.
We believe that establishing a Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority will enable us to make a real difference to people’s lives – tackling challenges as well as providing Devon and Torbay with a stronger voice to influence policy for the benefit of our residents, communities and businesses. Our proposal will give the area greater ability to:
Maximise our economic potential
- A skilled workforce our local economy needs for the future
- Secure new investment to help create additional high value jobs
- Devolution of Adult Education functions
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Address our housing pressures
- Additional investment in affordable housing schemes
- Reduce the barriers to affordable housing delivery
- Greater Community Land Trust-led delivery
Improve local transport
- Strengthened joined-up approach
- Improved efficiency and co-ordination of public transport
- Shared responsibility for strategic transport to support economic growth
Meet our net zero ambitions
- Unlock Devon and Torbay’s huge green economic potential
- More investment in green business growth
- Capitalising on our area’s world-leading expertise in green science and technology
Deliver investment in Devon and Torbay
- Local democratic accountability for investment decision in the local economy
- A strong voice for business and skills representatives
- Easier for businesses to access information, advice and support
Create a strong and sustainable local economy
- Support high growth business sectors and our traditional strengths
- Creating a strong and sustainable local economy
- Increase productivity and pay across Devon and Torbay