Friday 9 February 2024
 An extra £1.5 million on regular drainage works to help reduce the number of potholes on Devon’s roads
Boost for roads and homelessness budget
Work with the homeless in Devon will receive a full grant again in 2024/25 following a decision by our Cabinet today.
Proposals for a reduction in support for the homeless had been tabled as part of our budget savings. We have no statutory responsibility for housing and the homeless - that is the role of district councils - but we have previously helped out financially.
But the final financial settlement from the Government has just been announced and councillors heard today there was a little more money in the pot.
So they agreed to increase the homelessness budget by an extra £716,000 to £1.45 million.
They will also spend an extra £1.5 million on regular drainage works in order to help reduce the number of potholes on Devon's roads. In heavy rain, drainage gullies can fail and flood roads causing potholes. More regular maintenance can help alleviate this.
Our full council meets next Thursday to finalise the budget for 2024/25.
You can read the full story on our news page.
 We're making progress with our SEND improvement plan
We are committed to improving our services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, (SEND), ensuring that they receive the support they need, where and when they need it.
The scale of the challenge locally and nationally is significant. Here in Devon, important steps are being taken across the system, working in partnership with the NHS, schools, and parents and carers, but it takes time for improvements to have an impact on families.
We understand that many parents and carers remain frustrated at the pace of improvement, but the changes required involve whole system changes along with the need for our responsibilities as a council to improve. The plans in place to secure these improvements are being closely monitored by our welcomed partnership with the Department for Education.
Read the full story on the news page of our website to find out more about the important foundations that have been laid, paving the way for improvement.
You can also catch up with February's edition of our Devon Special Educational Needs and Disabilities newsletter for all the latest news and information. Don't forget to sign-up to receive next month's straight to your inbox.
 New bridge over A379 opens
The impressive new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the A379 in Exeter, which was lifted into place last summer, is now open for use. Spanning 36 metres, it has been constructed as part of the ongoing South West Exeter development.
We're currently delivering £55 million of infrastructure improvements on the edge of the city following a successful bid through the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, administered by Homes England.
As well as the bridge, the scheme includes road widening and realignment, new junctions, and an upgrade of the Devon Hotel roundabout to support the development of 2,500 new homes and more than 21 hectares of employment land on the edge of the city.
Read the full story on the news page of our website.
 Overwhelming support for new walking and cycling route proposals
Almost 90 per cent of people who responded to a recent public consultation on plans for a multiuse path between Sidbury and Sidford have backed the idea.
The proposed walking and cycling route would extend from Sidford along the western side of the A375, crossing Ottery Lane with a new cycle/pedestrian crossing, and then connecting to Hillside, near Sidbury.
We've invested £150,000 of Local Transport Funding this financial year to continue developing plans for the route. A second phase of the scheme would be needed to continue the path to Sidbury and this could potentially be provided by developers.
Read the full story on the news page of our website.
 Devon Preventing Serious Violence Strategy published
On behalf of the Safer Devon Partnership, we have published a strategy to prevent and reduce serious violence in the county. The Devon Preventing Serious Violence Strategy 2024-29 is now available to view on the Safer Devon website.
The Strategy outlines Safer Devon’s framework for preventing and reducing serious violence in the county and, through doing so, its ambition is to keep people, families and communities safe from the risk and experience of violence.
It has been informed by drawing together local and national data, input from Safer Devon’s partner organisations and insights from young people living in Devon to outline the kinds of serious violence taking place in the county and its causes and drivers.
Read the full story on the news page of our website.
 National HIV Testing Week (Monday 5 to Sunday 11 February 2024)
HIV stands for ‘human immunodeficiency virus’. It is an infection caused by a virus that attacks the body's immune system, making it weaker so it is less able to protect you from illness and keep you well.
In the UK, it is most commonly transmitted by having anal or vaginal sex without a condom. Testing is the only way to know if you have HIV or not. Free HIV test kits are available from the NHS to anyone over 16 years old who lives in England.
If you have HIV, finding out means you can start treatment by taking antiretroviral medication. Though it cannot be completely cured, effective treatment means you can live a long healthy life and avoid passing the virus onto anyone else.
Find out more information about protection, testing and treatment for HIV on the It Starts With Me website.
Children's Mental Health Week (Monday 5 to Sunday 11 February 2024)
Emotional and mental health play a huge role in how children and young people think, feel and behave.
This week is Children's Mental Health Week, and the theme is 'My Voice Matters'. It focuses on empowering children and young people by providing them with the tools they need to express themselves, because feeling empowered can have a positive impact on wellbeing. Children and young people who feel that their voices are heard and can make a difference have a greater sense of community and self-esteem.
Please visit the Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership website for lots of useful information about children's mental health and how to access support if you need it.
Is your child protected against measles?
If you’re planning to travel abroad during half term, please make sure to check your child is up to date with their vaccinations, including the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Contact your GP to book any catch up jabs before you travel.
Looking for something a little different to do this month?
The next season of ‘Films at the Library’ runs throughout February in warm, welcoming community libraries across Devon and Torbay.
Free book giveaway!
Visit your local Devon Recycling Centre Reuse Shop for a free book giveaway!
Throughout February books will be available for free, so bring a bag and get reading while stocks last. (Not available at Totnes, Plymouth or Torbay Recycling Centres).
Are you interested in discussing outdoor recreation?
The Devon Countryside Access Forum is seeking new members!
If you enjoy time in the countryside, manage land or have other relevant interests such as conservation, then find out more and apply on our website. Be quick though, the closing date is Friday 23 February!
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