DEFICITS have already been predicted at Devon’s newest political entity as efforts ramp up to push Westminster for more cash.

The levels of government funding given to the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA), which was formed just over a year ago, have meant it is already predicting it will fall into a financial deficit in the coming years.

Officials expect deficits of £317,000 and £495,000 in the next and subsequent financial years, respectively.

Even though senior staff believe these predicted deficits could be reduced or balanced out with new income streams or cash reserves by the time the 2027/28 and 2028/29 financial years arrive, there are now efforts to urge the government to provide it with more funding.

The CCA has £390,000 to fund its operations from Westminster in this financial year, but is predicting its running costs will be around £962,000.

However, thanks to the likes of interest earned on unspent cash and potential fees it could receive as part of government grant funding for specific projects, the body’s total income this financial year is predicted to be just over £1 million, meaning it can produce a balanced budget.

But the reliance on factors beyond government funding is already pretty stark.

In a March report, the DTCCA predicted that in its first full year of operation (2025/26), its costs would exceed the levels it had expected to spend by more than a quarter of a million pounds.

Equivalent authorities with a mayor get far more operational funding – around £2.5 million compared to the £390,000 for DTCCA – and can precept from council tax bills, gain access to mayoral grants, and borrow money.

The DTCCA, which was purposely created without a mayor, cannot do those things, apart from borrowing cash specifically for transport projects.