A project to create more housing for those at risk of homelessness was visited by members of the new devolved authority, which part-funded its refurbishment, after its inaugural meeting today.
The scheme in Plymouth Road, Tavistock, is among those to benefit from a £16 million capital funding pot secured through the devolution agreement between Devon and Torbay and the Government, which formed the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA).
Repurposing an old council building, it will provide three homes, while also maximising energy and carbon savings to align with West Devon Borough Council and the DTCCA’s net zero ambitions.
Ahead of the visit the DTCCA’s first meeting focussed on investment plans across the area to improve skills, housing, and environmental commitments. The establishment of the DTCCA last month (February) marks a new era of local governance, creating opportunities and securing funding for residents and businesses of Devon and Torbay.
The DTCCA members include councillors from Devon County Council, Torbay Council, and Devon’s district, city, and borough councils.
Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner is also a member alongside representatives from the business community and skills providers.
At the meeting, Councillor David Thomas was elected Chair of the authority, and Councillor James McInnes was elected Vice Chair.
Members also agreed the budget and received updates on future UK Shared Prosperity Funding and future arrangements for programmes that will support people into work and for adult skills funding.
Councillor Thomas, Chair of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, said:
“I am delighted that after all our hard work the DTCCA is now meeting as a body in its own right. We are ambitious for the future and will work with communities, partners, and stakeholders to secure a better deal for Devon and Torbay. Our goal is to support economic growth and improve the availability of skills, housing, and public transport across our area and this includes decisions around the UK Shared Prosperity Fund being taken at the inaugural meeting.”
Councillor McInnes, Vice Chair of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, said:
“The forming of the Devon and Torbay CCA is the starting point that will see the two local authorities working together alongside Team Devon colleagues, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the business and skills community to tackle the things that matter most to residents such as housing and homelessness; and climate change.”
Councillor Mandy Ewings, Leader of West Devon Borough Council, which hosted the meeting, said:
“I am delighted to host the first meeting of the CCA at West Devon Borough Council and take the opportunity to share details of the projects which are taking place to tackle the housing crisis as well as projects in the borough benefitting from the CCA’s Green Impact Fund.
“From installing solar panels on village halls and B&Bs to creating advanced EV battery recycling facilities, the Green Impact Fund is supporting West Devon in driving energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints.
“Projects include integrating renewable energy solutions in farming and engineering businesses, upgrading lighting to LEDs, and developing biofuel production lines from agricultural waste.
“The organisations supported by the Green Impact Fund in West Devon anticipate significant environmental benefits in their first year, including a reduction of approximately 70 tons of CO2 emissions, an average 20% decrease in energy consumption, 2 jobs created and the implementation of three innovative techniques.”