Devon residents have one week left to share views on mayoral plans
Devon residents have one week left to share their views on the county's bid to become a Mayoralty, with the consultation set to end next Wednesday, October 28.
Devon residents have one week left to share their views on the county’s bid to become a Mayoralty.
The proposal outlines plans for the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, or DTCCA, to seek mayoral status from the Government, and to expand to incorporate the area currently covered by Plymouth City Council.
A six-week public consultation on the issue was launched on September 16 to give residents, businesses, and local organisations the chance to have their say.
The consultation is set to end next Wednesday, October 28.
If approved, and Plymouth joins, a directly elected mayor would represent the wider Devon, Torbay, and Plymouth area. The mayor would oversee an economy worth £33.1 billion per year and would be responsible for making key policy decisions in areas such as transport.
Services such as bin collections, schools, social care, and housing would still remain the responsibility of local councils and their elected councillors.
The proposal would not merge councils, change boundaries, or transfer services.
“This is a conversation for everyone across Devon, Torbay, and Plymouth,” said Councillor David Thomas, chair of the DTCCA.
“Working together gives us a stronger voice with Government and a greater opportunity to secure investment for our communities.”
Councillor Julian Brazil, vice-chair of the DTCCA and Devon County Council leader, added: “Having a mayor is about bringing more power, funding, and decision-making closer to the people and places affected by it.
“The consultation is about shaping the future of our region and ensuring local people have a voice in the decisions that affect them.
“This is an opportunity that we must not miss. The benefits that come with mayoralty are benefits that will be felt in very real and practical ways by residents and businesses alike.”
The results of the consultation will be reported in November. A decision will then be made whether to proceed with a formal proposal to the Government.
You can find the consultation and have your say here.