The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA) mark its first anniversary this week, following a year focused on building the foundations for long-term economic growth, sustainable development and improved services across the region.
Over the past 12 months, the DTCCA has worked closely with local partners to develop a comprehensive set of strategic plans. These include new frameworks for economic growth, housing, transport, skills and employment. Together, these plans set out how investment and services will be coordinated to support communities and businesses across Devon and Torbay.
As part of the region’s devolution deal, £16 million in capital funding has been secured to support the delivery of local housing, drive net zero ambitions and support green skills, and accelerate businesses transition to low carbon operations. One of the early outcomes include improvements to Engineering and Automotive facilities at Exeter College, delivered through £797,000 of programme funding.
The authority continues to oversee delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), with £6 million scheduled for investment by September 2026. Current projects include expanded volunteering opportunities in North Devon and Torbay, cultural and nature tourism programmes in East Devon, North Devon and Torridge, employment support for almost 400 people in Exeter, and enterprise support in West Devon.
Work has also progressed on the phased transfer of Local Transport Authority responsibilities to the DTCCA. This includes harmonising the concessionary fares scheme across the region through the introduction of companion passes in Torbay. A Local Transport Delivery Plan, setting out governance and investment priorities, will be presented to the Board in March 2026.
In addition, the DTCCA has secured Electric Vehicle Pavement Channel Grant Funding. This will support residents without driveways by enabling access to lower cost household EV charging, with delivery expected to begin in spring 2026.
Over the past year, the authority has led the development of the Get Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Working Plan, bringing together councils, the NHS, Jobcentre Plus, training providers, employers and the voluntary sector. From April 2026 the Adult Skills Fund will transfer to the DTCCA, supporting the plan’s ambitions to improve workforce participation and skills provision across the region.
Looking ahead, the DTCCA’s focus for the next year will be on accelerating delivery. With strategic plans now in place, the authority will concentrate on turning these commitments into visible outcomes for residents and businesses across Devon and Torbay.