Local leaders have taken a major step towards securing more powers, funding and decision making for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, as plans for a Mayoral Strategic Authority move forward.
The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA) Board has backed the next stage of work to expand the existing strategic authority to include Plymouth and move towards a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
At its latest meeting, the Board also approved a major transport investment programme for Devon and Torbay and agreed to support a Devon-wide bid aimed at helping farmers and land managers work collaboratively to deliver productive and sustainable land management.
Future devolution arrangements
Following engagement with Government, the DTCCA and Plymouth City Council are progressing a single consultation process covering both Plymouth joining the existing strategic authority and the move to a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
A six-week public consultation is now underway, giving residents, businesses and partner organisations the opportunity to shape the proposals.
Alongside the consultation, work is underway to develop the strategic case for that alongside the consultation responses would be considered by members at the end of November, examining the benefits of further devolution, which powers and responsibilities should be held by the MSA, and how they could be used to improve outcomes for residents, businesses and communities.
An expanded Mayoral Strategic Authority could give Devon, Plymouth and Torbay access to a broader range of devolved powers, responsibilities and funding flexibilities, enabling more decisions about investment and priorities to be taken locally.
Local Transport Delivery Plan and Capital Programme
The DTCCA Board has also approved its 2026/27 Transport Capital Programme and funding allocations for 2026/27 and 2027/28, alongside endorsing an updated Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) for submission to the Department for Transport.
This decision enables a major programme of transport investment, including upgrades to the A382, the Cullompton Relief Road and the Dinan Way extension in Exmouth. The schemes will improve connectivity, support new housing and jobs, reduce congestion and make it easier for people to travel across Devon and Torbay.
Investment will help improve connections between communities and make it easier for people to access jobs, education, healthcare and other essential services. It will also support new homes, economic growth and more sustainable ways to travel across Devon and Torbay.
The Local Transport Delivery Plan sets out how transport investment will support communities across Devon and Torbay over the coming years, with funding covering a range of transport improvements.
Key infrastructure deliverables include:
- A382 improvements which will upgrade a key route between Newton Abbot and the A38/M5 corridor
- Cullompton relief road which will deliver an alternative strategic corridor to remove heavy volumes of traffic from the town centre
- Dinan Way extension in Exmouth which will complete the final link between Dinan Way and the A376.
The Plan also includes a three-year revenue programme which looks to continue to build on the strategic priorities set out in the Local Transport Plan (LTP). The multi-year settlement enables significant projects to have certainty of funding, including:
- The design of infrastructure required to support growth areas
- The continuation of design development for interventions identified in the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans across the Devon and Torbay area
- Work to develop the business case for Devon Metro.
The finalised LTDP will now be submitted to the Department for Transport, with the multi-year programme reviewed and updated annually.
Devon and Torbay Farmer Collaboration Fund
The Board also backed a Devon-wide funding bid designed to help farmers work together to boost productivity, support nature recovery and build resilience in the rural economy.
The fund aims to support farmers, land managers and growers to manage land in a productive, nature friendly and sustainable way. The fund will help Devon to bring informal partnerships together and will be spent on nine cross-cutting themes identified during engagement work.
The outcome of the bid is expected later this year.
Cllr David Thomas, Chair of the DTCCA, said:
“We’re showing what devolution can deliver in practice. The decisions taken mean investment in better roads, public transport and active travel, while also taking forward proposals that could bring more powers and funding to Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.
“Our ambition is simple: more local control over the decisions that shape our economy, communities and future.”
Councillor Julian Brazil, Vice-Chair of the DTCCA, said:
“This is an important step for the future of devolution across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. Moving to a Mayoral Strategic Authority could give our area greater influence over the powers, funding and decisions that affect our communities and economy. The consultation is an important opportunity for people across the area to have their say.”