Torbay Council launched a public consultation on 6 February 2026 inviting residents across Torbay — including Torquay, Devon — to have a say on how local services are managed and funded.
The consultation asks residents for their views on services including waste and recycling collections, road and highways maintenance, and adult social care. People can respond through an online form or access paper copies at local libraries (paper copies were confirmed as being available in the four libraries across Torbay, including Torquay Library). The consultation runs until 26 March 2026.
The move comes as the council considers how SWISCo — the council‑owned company that provides waste, recycling, highways and street‑scene services — will operate going forward. Council leaders say they want to make sure council spending reflects residents’ priorities as service costs rise.
Council officers also say the feedback will help shape future budget decisions and decisions on service contracts. The reporter’s briefing accompanying this story describes the initiative under the working title ‘Shaping Our Services 2026–2030’. The consultation also sits alongside the Devon and Torbay Devolution Deal process; Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, has said the council wants to know whether the proposals in the Devolution Deal (on housing, training and public transport) are the right ones for local people.
The council has pointed to the Care Quality Commission’s inspection in September 2025, which rated Torbay’s adult social care services ‘Good’ (PR9416). Officials say the consultation results will inform future service planning and could help shape budget cycles and contract decisions in the coming years.
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