I was delighted to host Minister Jacob Young from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities today as Devon signs its devolution deal, giving more powers to local communities including around transport, skills and training, and housing plus additional funding.
This step marks not only the devolution of power from Whitehall to the Westcountry, but also offers us the chance to make decisions at a local level that will benefit residents and visitors alike.
It was particularly welcome to host this event in Torbay’s EPIC Centre, which is set to benefit from a share of £20 million pounds of the Government’s Levelling Up Funding. The project known as ‘Fish and Hi Tech Chips’ will fund both the Fish Quay in Brixham and the EPIC Centre in Paignton, thereby supporting long-established businesses and new industries and helping to create jobs and opportunities, as well as to bolster a vibrant economy that will stand the test of time.
Thanks to all those officials at Devon County Council, Torbay Council, and the many district councils, that have all played such a part in pulling together this devolution deal and attracting attention from Westminster.