County leaders have welcomed the exciting prospect of Devon’s first mayor having real power and millions in extra funding to improve public services and drive economic growth.
Chancellor John Healey confirmed in his Budget that the Government was minded to approve a bid for a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Devon, Torbay and Plymouth. Devon’s first Mayor, in Spring 2028, will have devolved spending powers to shape transport, housing, training and planning policies.
The new authority would represent a population of 1.25 million people with an economy worth over £33.1 billion. It would give the region more powers, more investment and a stronger voice nationally, alongside England’s other mayoral areas.
Devon County Council Leader Julian Brazil said:
“The potential of having real game-changing powers and increased funding to make the decisions here which will matter for generations to come is why Devon must have a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
“Everyone and especially the young of Devon can’t afford to be left behind by the train for devolution. Devonians tell us their public services are fragmented and they want decisions affecting their everyday lives to be made here.
“Today’s Budget confirms it’s time to get a front seat on that train and make sure Devon brings home every single one of the benefits a Mayoralty can bring.”
The Chancellor also announced a raft of measures to reduce the cost of living including cutting energy bills by removing standing charges as well as tax changes aimed at reviving Britain’s High Streets and aiding small family firms.
County Councillor James Buczkowski, Cabinet Member for Finance, commented:
“The £100 energy payment for eligible households, the extension of zero VAT on domestic electricity and the return of the £2 bus fare cap will provide welcome help. Increased business rates relief will also make a difference to qualifying local shops, pubs and other businesses.
“But much of the household support is temporary. Residents need confidence that they can afford their bills beyond the next few months, and that the services they depend on will remain available.
“The Office for Budget Responsibility makes the underlying problem clear: higher inflation has reduced the purchasing power of existing government spending plans. A three-year council settlement provides certainty about the money coming in, but it does not make rising costs disappear.
“I am disappointed that the Budget has not provided a clear answer to those pressures. Across a large rural county such as Devon, distance and dispersed communities add to the challenge of delivering services. Funding must properly recognise that reality.
“However. the proposed mayoral funding arrangements offer exciting opportunities for greater local control. The assurance that the new mayoral business rates share will protect existing council core funding is really welcome.”
