Council shake-ups could harm Torbay’s social care, councillors fear. Reorganization may lead to service declines and integrated care loss.
Torbay is already a unitary authority, but it must expand to meet targets, as each new unitary needs about 500,000 residents. Council Leader David Thomas said Torbay could vanish and potentially become part of a bigger Devon council. Opposition councillors also worry about these changes.
Two councillors, Swithin Long and Cordelia Law, wrote to a government minister, Jim McMahon, to share their concerns. Torbay’s health and social care are currently successful, with other areas learning from them. Torbay won an award in 2023, and their children’s and adult services are stable.
The councillors fear a larger unitary could end Torbay’s integrated care system, leading to a decline in services. They stated a larger system could worsen care and that nearby councils have poorer service ratings. Torbay Council should remain separate and not join a larger unitary, because its services might worsen, which would negatively affect residents.
Devon councillors are discussing possible changes, and Mr. McMahon wants proposals by March 21st, even though Devon is not in the first group for re-organization. Torbay’s councillors also worry about larger strategic authorities overseeing the new unitaries. Additionally, each will have an elected mayor.
Cornwall does not want to join a “Devonwall” authority. A Devon-only authority might be too small and may not compete with larger regions for funds. The councillors don’t support current plans, but leaders in Somerset and other areas are open to discussion. They want a “Greater South West” authority, as this bigger group could better compete for resources.
Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole agreed to join forces with Dorset, Wiltshire, and Somerset. The alliance will form a strategic authority that would be overseen by an elected mayor.