Work is ongoing for Torbay Council’s review into racism in the area, in response to the death of George Floyd and the global Black Lives Matter movement.

We are working closely on the review with a range of local and regional, public, private and voluntary sector partners.

The second panel meeting took place this week and Councillor Jermaine Atiya-Alla, Torbay’s first black councillor, who is leading on the review, has been busy talking to local partners and taking part in a number of media interviews.

With October being Black History Month (BHM), Cllr Atiya-Alla has also been featured as one of Greatest Hits Radio’s BHM Influencers. 

Councillor Jermaine Atiya-Alla said: “We’ve only just started the review and we’ve already had a lot of interest, from the public, the media and from local partners. It’s particularly relevant that we have launched this during Black History Month.

“This is a holistic, inclusive and comprehensive approach to exploring the issue of racism in Torbay which engages with the community and allows them the space and time to voice their experiences and views to civic leaders and local and national decision makers.

“We’ll be linking in with a range of local community groups but please do get in touch with us if you want to get involved with the review – you can email us at equality@torbay.gov.uk.”

Members of the public will also get the chance to give us their views and questions on the matter. The review launched in September and will continue with a series of panels with partners including education, culture, NHS and local business sectors, with a final report and recommendations to be presented in March 2021.

Protests around the world started after George Floyd died at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, USA in May, including mass demonstrations in London and Bristol, and this has prompted Torbay to launch a local review.

Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council, said: “It is great to see that there is so much interest in this review so far.

“The main question we want to answer with this review is “How do we make Black, Asian and minority ethnic lives matter in Torbay?

“As a Council we are absolutely committed to respecting equality and diversity and we want to understand more about how some of our communities here are disadvantaged, and what we can do to improve things here in the Bay. It’s a global issue but we can all play our own part, however small, to make the world a better and more equitable place.”

Deputy Leader Cllr Darren Cowell said: “We want to make sure everyone gets to have their say and contribute to this review. Our Community and Corporate Plan is based on ensuring our local community thrives so we are absolutely committed to ensuring that all sections of our community thrive.”

Tell us your views

Although a number of meetings are already being set up with the local community, you can also submit your ideas and suggestions to Torbay via equality@torbay.gov.uk.

Pictured is Councillor Jermaine Atiya-Alla who is leading on Torbay's review.