The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA) has marked a major milestone, completing its mobilisation phase and approving a suite of strategic plans that will shape the region’s future. In the eight months since its establishment, the DTCCA has agreed its constitution, assurance framework, and adopted key strategies, enabling the authority to move confidently into delivery.
At its November Board meeting, the DTCCA approved the Corporate Plan 2025 to 2035, setting out a ten-year vision to invest in what makes Devon and Torbay extraordinary – its people, its landscapes, and its potential. The Plan focuses on four priorities: economic growth, employment and skills, transport, and housing, supported by cross-cutting themes including public health, climate, and opportunities for young people.
The Board also confirmed strong progress on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund, which have already delivered tangible benefits across Devon and Torbay. Projects include energy efficiency upgrades for over 700 households, cultural initiatives, and business support programmes. The board approved distributing the second half of available funding to partners to maintain momentum.
Preparations for the DTCCA’s new role as Local Transport Authority are well underway. From April 2026, the DTCCA will assume full responsibility for public transport across Devon and Torbay. As part of this transition, the Board agreed to harmonise concessionary fares across the region by introducing companion passes in Torbay, ensuring fair and consistent access for residents.
Skills and workforce development remain central to the DTCCA’s ambitions. The Skills and Future Workforce Plan 2025 to 2030 was approved, paving the way for the devolution of Adult Skills Funding from 2026. This will enable locally tailored provision worth £15 million annually. The Connect to Work programme is already supporting up to 1,900 people each year into employment, with further initiatives to follow.
Cllr David Thomas, Chair of the DTCCA, said:
“The unanimous decisions taken at our November meeting represent a key milestone for the DTCCA and provide us the tools to successfully move from mobilisation to delivery. Our focus is clear: investing in economic growth, skills, transport, and housing will create lasting benefits for residents and businesses across Devon and Torbay. This is about turning vision into action and ensuring progress that people can see and feel in their everyday lives.”
Cllr Julian Brazil, Vice-Chair of the DTCCA said:
“It’s clear that there’s an ambition from all members to deliver tangible results for our residents. Now we’ve got the building blocks in place we must work together to deliver change and improve outcomes for local people. We’re looking to improve transport, skills provision, economy, public health, climate, and opportunities for young people which are all underpinned the approvals at the board today.”