'Lots of other areas will be watching' as Torbay launches locals' discounts scheme
Residents can now register for the new 'My Bay' card, with discounts being offered from January 1
Last updated 9th Sep 2024
Torbay Council say other parts of the UK have shown interest in their new residents' card - which starts in January.
The 'My Bay' scheme offers discounts on things like parking, public toilets and attractions.
Councillor Adam Billings says it aims to reward locals, adding: "To really encourage people to get the best out of Torbay so this is aimed at residents - it's meant to reduce the cost of living.
"It's meant for businesses to encourage footfall into our town centres.
"I think quite a few areas are looking at seeing how this goes and asking can we do something similar?"
People aged 16 and over living in Torbay can now register to join the scheme and will receive a physical My Bay resident card after paying a £10 fee to cover administration costs.
The My Bay card can be used for £10 worth of access to public toilets (33 visits) in Torbay.
The scheme will go live for residents to use from 1 January 2025 after the Council's Cabinet approved the plans at its meeting in July 2024.
Councillors heard that the My Bay scheme could be worth between £45 and £75 per person during the year, based on full use of the toilets offer, 10 car park visits and use of other offers and discounts with local businesses.
Torbay residents will be able to apply for the scheme using Torbay Council's online customer service portal - My Torbay.
An 'early bird' sign-up period is running between September and November 2024.