Majority believe devolution can boost housing and transport but less optimistic for economic and net zero boost

A majority of people believe the prospective devolution deal for Devon and Torbay can boost the county’s housing and transport sectors.

More than half (52 per cent) of those surveyed as part of a consultation on the proposed move believe a new combined county authority, or CCA, would improve local transport in the area.
The two councils hope a CCA structure could lead to more efficient and coordinated public transport across the Devon and Torbay area, including a potential single ticketing system for travellers.
Slightly more people believe the new authority would address housing pressures, with 46 per cent agreeing against 43 per cent who disagreed.
Supporters argue that the CCA will have a more direct line to Homes England, the non-departmental body that funds affordable housing, meaning it could be able to secure more money for schemes in the area.
But there was less optimism in terms of the CCA improving the local economy, with 44 per cent disagreeing it could maximise economic potential compared to 43 per cent who thought it could, while the majority also disagreed that it could help the area meet its net zero ambitions (43 per cent disagreeing versus 40 per cent agreeing).
The survey – which was answered by nearly 800 respondents – formed part of a six-week consultation by Devon County Council and Torbay Council in relation to the government’s devolution proposals.
The councils have pushed to become a CCA as they believe they will, among other things, be able to get new funding to support the Devon and Torbay economies, have new powers to control adult education spending and skills provision, and be able to tackle the affordable housing shortfall.
Already £16 million of funding has been confirmed in the current government spending review, to be spent before April 2025 and which could be used to support local housing priorities, drive net zero ambitions, support green skills and accelerate low carbon business transition.
And, if the CCA is approved, it will take control of the adult education budget, which is around £15 million per year.
Devon’s leader John Hart (Conservative, Wembury) has said that having oversight of this money will mean local colleges and training providers can offer the right courses to support businesses in the region.
But several respondents to the consultation questioned whether the £16 million is enough money to achieve the CCA’s ambitions.
“Our primary concern revolves around the allocated funding of £16 million for Devon, which appears notably modest when juxtaposed with the existing capital expenditure across Devon and Torbay,” Moretonhampstead Parish Council said.
“We believe that a more substantial funding allocation is necessary to effectively address the diverse needs and challenges within our region.”
Others called the £16 million “miniscule” and “a laughable insult to all residents.”
Representatives for Devon and Torbay said £16 million was “not enough and we did ask for more”, but hoped further conversations could possibly unlock more cash in the next spending review.
The CCA, if it goes ahead, would also receive £1 million over the next three years to set it up.
Following the consultation, Devon and Torbay’s respective cabinets will consider the results and decide whether to submit a final proposal to the government.
A decision by the government is expected next month, with the CCA coming into place by the autumn, if approved.