The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA) has taken further steps to strengthen adult skills provision across the region and to progress future devolution arrangements.
At its latest Board meeting, members approved a range of programmes designed to improve opportunities and outcomes for residents and to support businesses through strategic planning.
These included new Adult Skills Fund flexibilities, the FE Teacher Industry Exchange programme, an updated Post-16 Capital Programme framework, and a clear set of principles to guide future devolution discussions.
Investing in skills provision across the region
The Board approved several skills programmes, all designed to improve the delivery and access to post-16 education.
Following feedback from the last Board meeting, members approved a revised commissioning framework and investment criteria for the post-16 capital investment programme.
The new approach adopts a commissioning-led model that targets funding towards specific strategic priorities including labour market demand, participation challenges and accessibility barriers.
Recognising the distinct challenges faced by rural and coastal communities, the framework also introduces a dedicated Rural and Coastal Delivery Fund. The fund acknowledges that participation barriers are not driven solely by population growth, and that rurality, transport and accessibility require a different commissioning response.
Transport remains a significant challenge for some young people seeking access to education, employment and training opportunities across the region. The Board agreed that the DTCCA should continue working closely with partners and stakeholders to explore solutions that improve learner accessibility, while also considering the outcomes of the Government’s ongoing review before determining any further local interventions.
Board members also approved local flexibilities within the Adult Skills Fund, enabling funding to better reflect the specific needs of Devon and Torbay’s learners and businesses. These flexibilities will support participation, respond to local labour market demands and help address the challenges associated with rurality and coastal deprivation.
In addition, the Board approved the FE Teacher Industry Exchange programme. The initiative will strengthen links between further education providers and employer. Learners will benefit from teaching informed by current industry practice and develop the skills needed now and in the future.
A step towards further devolution
The Board also discussed the future of devolution in Devon and Torbay, noting that Plymouth City Council is exploring the potential benefits and implications of becoming a member of the DTCCA.
As part of discussions on future devolution arrangements, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to mayoral devolution at the earliest possible opportunity. An amendment was requested to the report to include May 2027 as the preferred date for mayoral elections in the approved recommendations. Members agreed that setting out this milestone would help maintain momentum and provide a clear focus for progressing devolution at pace.
Plymouth’s membership would aid this ambition by strengthening strategic alignment and enhancing the authority’s ability to attract investment, work with Government and public sector partners, and deliver for local communities.
As Government demonstrate a renewed ambition to devolve more powers regionally, the DTCCA can help contribute economic growth by developing skills, supporting businesses and accelerating growth in nationally significant sectors such as clean energy, defence, advanced manufacturing and digital technology.
Cllr David Thomas, Chair of the DTCCA, said:
“We are committed to moving towards deeper devolution and welcome Plymouth City Council’s decision to explore becoming a constituent member of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority. This presents an exciting opportunity to strengthen partnership working across Devon, Torbay and Plymouth. By working together, we can build a stronger strategic voice for the South West, attract greater investment, and deliver improved outcomes for our residents, communities and businesses.”
Councillor Julian Brazil, Vice-Chair of the DTCCA, said:
“The decisions taken today will help ensure more people can access education and training, regardless of where they live, while equipping businesses with the skilled workforce they need. Devolution enables us to take a more tailored approach to addressing local challenges and opportunities, creating a skills system that supports economic growth and improves outcomes for residents across our region.”