People across Devon, Torbay and Plymouth are being invited to have their say on proposals for Plymouth City Council to become a full member of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, (DTCCA).
A six-week public consultation launched on Wednesday 16 September and runs until Wednesday 28 October 2026 giving residents, businesses and organisations the chance to share their views on the proposal and what it could mean for the region.
The DTCCA was established in 2025 to bring councils together on issues that go beyond local boundaries, including transport, housing, skills, investment and economic growth.
Devon County Council and Torbay Council are currently members, while Plymouth has no voting rights.
If approved, Plymouth would become an equal partner in the combined authority, with the same representation and decision-making powers as the existing members.
The consultation also outlines plans for the combined authority to seek mayoral status from Government. If approved, and Plymouth joins, a directly elected mayor would represent the wider Devon, Torbay and Plymouth area.
It’s important to note that a mayor would not run local councils. Services such as bin collections, schools, social care, housing and planning would remain the responsibility of individual councils and elected councillors.
Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said:
“Plymouth is the largest city in the South West, yet we’re not currently part of the body taking key decisions on transport, skills, housing and investment across the peninsula.
“The opportunities linked to Devonport, defence and our marine industries don’t stop at the city boundary. Jobs, homes, skills and infrastructure need joined-up planning across the wider area.
“No decision has been made. We want to hear people’s views, whatever those views may be, before councillors consider the proposal later this year.”
Councillor David Thomas, Chair of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, said:
“This is a conversation for everyone across Devon, Torbay and Plymouth. Working together gives us a stronger voice with Government and a greater opportunity to secure investment for our communities.
“Plymouth would bring significant strengths to the Authority, but it is vital that residents have their say before any decision is taken.”
Councillor Julian Brazil, Vice-Chair of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority, said:
“Having a mayor is about bringing more power, funding and decision-making closer to the people and places affected by it. It means more decisions made locally, more investment for our communities, and less reliance on Whitehall.
“This 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 consultation asks whether people support Plymouth joining the Authority, their views on a directly elected mayor, and the priorities a larger strategic authority should focus on.
The proposal would not merge councils, change council boundaries, transfer services or affect council staff. It is also separate from local government reorganisation.
The consultation findings will be reported in November. Plymouth City Council and the DTCCA, alongside Devon County Council and Torbay Council, will then decide whether to proceed with a formal proposal to Government.
Paper copies of the consultation will be made available in libraries and council offices across Devon, Torbay and Plymouth, with alternative formats available on request.