Decision

(i)       That Torbay Council position in relation to the matters to be included in the Structural Changes Order for Local Government Reorganisation in Devon, insofar as they relate to the new Torbay and South Devon Council is:

a)             That the Head of the Paid Service for Torbay Council be appointed as the Returning Officer for Torbay and South Devon Council;

b)             That the warding arrangements for the Torbay and South Devon Council be as set out in Appendix 1 to this Record of Decision; and

c)              That the elections to Brixham Town Council to be held on 6 May 2027 should be for a five year term, with elections being held every four years thereafter.

(ii)       That the Chief Executive of Devon County Council, as the nominated Implementation Team Leader for Local Government Reorganisation in Devon, by notified of Torbay Council’s position to enable a collective response to be made to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government by its deadline of 17 August 2026.

Reasons for the decision

To ensure Torbay Council’s views are represented in the Devon-wide response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government ahead of the preparation of the draft Structural Change Order.

Alternative options considered

No alternative options were considered as the principles behind these decisions had previously been agreed within Torbay Council.