Friday 7 June 2024
Next week is Carers Week - a chance to shine a spotlight on the challenges unpaid carers in Devon face every day, and to recognise the vital contribution these unsung heroes make to their families and communities.
Devon Carers, which provides support to unpaid carers on our behalf, will be out and about with information stands, and there will be free entry on some days for adult carers at various attractions in Devon, including National Trust Estates and Seaton Tramway. You can find out more in the full story on the news page of our website.
Approximately 9 per cent of people in Devon are unpaid carers; that’s more than 74,000 who care for a loved one or a friend. Just under half of these spend at least 20 hours per week carrying out their responsibilities, often alongside working and their own family life, and going to school or college.
Most carers are adults, but there are thousands of under 18 year olds who also support family members. Many carers don't necessarily identify themselves as being carers, which means that many are without support for their caring responsibilities. And that can affect their physical and mental health, wellbeing, work and educational outcomes.
The theme for this year's Carers Week is ‘Putting Carers on the Map'; helping all those with caring responsibilities to identify as carers so that they can access much-needed support through Devon Carers (adults) or Devon Young Carers (under 18s). For information, advice, and support, visit the Devon Carers website.
 General election - all you need to know!
The 2024 General Election is taking place on Thursday 4 July, and the polls will be open from 7am until 10pm.
- You have until midnight on Tuesday 18 June to register to vote if you aren't already
- You have until 5pm on Wednesday 19 June to apply for a postal vote (postal vote packs are sent out around 10 days before polling day, so if you're not likely to be home at that point, you may wish to apply for a proxy vote)
- You have until 5pm on Wednesday 26 June to apply for a proxy vote (for someone to vote on your behalf)
- You have until 5pm on Wednesday 26 June if you want to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (if you don’t have photo ID)
You need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations. Accepted forms of photo ID include passports, photographic driving licences, biometric immigration documents, and certain concessionary travel passes.
 Drop-in sessions organised for Children’s Centre consultation
We are currently consulting parents and carers on proposals for how we would like to use our former Children’s Centre buildings in a new network of Family Hubs across Devon.
These new hubs are different and broader in scope than previous Children’s Centres, supporting a wider age range of children and young people, and linking in with many existing local groups to offer a wider range of family support. For more information about the proposals, please visit our Have Your Say website.
We are running a series of in-person drop-in sessions throughout June, with Action for Children, to give parents, carers and young people the opportunity to find out more about the proposals, ask questions, and tell us what they think.
For details of when and where the drop-in sessions are, please read the full story on our news page.
 Councils re-affirm commitment to securing devolved powers and funding for Devon and Torbay
Government officials have confirmed that any decision about the establishment of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA) has been deferred until after the General Election on Thursday 4 July 2024. They say there is insufficient time before this to submit the Statutory Instrument required to set up the Devon and Torbay CCA for Parliamentary approval.
It puts Devon and Torbay in the same position as three other areas awaiting devolution deals, Lancashire, Greater Lincolnshire, and East Yorkshire and Hull. However, Leaders of the two councils have re-affirmed their commitment to securing the devolved powers and funding in the Deal both authorities signed in January 2024.
They're continuing to seek experienced leaders from across the business community to join a new Business Advisory Group; and work continues to establish the Team Devon Joint Committee that will support joint working on a number of areas, including economic development, housing and the environment.
You can read more about what's happening in the full story on the news page of our website.
 Committee agrees to stop Active Streets trial in Heavitree and Whipton
Councillors have agreed to end the Active Streets trial in Heavitree and Whipton in Exeter. The Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) this week approved the suspension of the Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders for Hamlin Lane, Whipton Lane and Vaughan Road “as soon as practicable”, while measures in Ladysmith Road/Park Road and St Marks Avenue will be removed after the end of the school summer term. Subject to a safety audit, it was agreed that planters which narrow some roads should be kept in place to slow traffic.
Further discussions will now be held with all schools in the trial area, disabled blue badge holders and representatives of people with protected characteristics (such as disabled people, older people and carers) for more detailed feedback on the impact of the scheme. Focus groups will also be organised with community leaders and residents to identify measures which can restrict rat-running and enable more people to walk and cycle.
The experimental traffic orders in Heavitree and Whipton remain in place until formally revoked, and the current restrictions continue to apply until we remove the signs and bollards. Until the traffic orders are revoked and measures withdrawn, police will continue to enforce the restrictions. As soon as exact dates for the removal of measures are known they will be publicised.
You can read more in the full story on the news page of our website.
Small business owners in Devon are invited to a free workshop designed to help unlock the potential of digital marketing. 'Understanding your Customer’s Digital Journey’ will take place on Tuesday 2 July 2024 from 9:30am until midday at Plymouth Science Park.
In just two hours, learn the essentials of knowing your customer, social media marketing, conversion rate optimisation and effective email strategies to increase your online presence, drive organic traffic, and ultimately convert more sales. Discover practical tips on content creation, customer engagement, and remarketing strategies.
Ideal for small businesses new to digital marketing, this workshop offers valuable insights and hands-on activities. Leave equipped with actionable steps to grow your business online and the opportunity to book a free follow up 1-2-1 session for your business. There will also be light refreshments and an opportunity for you to connect and network with other like-minded business owners. There is no charge to attend, but booking is essential.
 There’s a buzz around Devon’s new bus shelters
New bus shelters in Devon are taking on a life of their own as part of our Bus Service Improvement Plan and ongoing efforts to tackle the climate emergency.
Around 70 new “living roof” shelters, featuring 16 varieties of low maintenance plants on their roofs, can now be found across the county. The sedum plants flower from March to October, attracting insects and bees while also capturing carbon from traffic. Shelters in areas where there is no power available will also include solar panels and low energy lighting.
More living roof shelters will be added over the next year as part of a rolling replacement programme. The project is being funded using Bus Service Improvement Plan funding from the Government's Department for Transport.
Read the full story on the news page of our website.
 North Devon residents to get free bus travel
Free Sunday bus travel is being offered in North Devon this June to promote public transport and encourage leisure travel. Residents and visitors across North Devon will be able to benefit from the offer on all services in and out of Barnstaple.
Free Sunday travel is being delivered through the DevonBus Partnership on all Sunday bus services in North Devon, in conjunction with operators Stagecoach and Filers Travel. It is supported through our Bus Service Improvement Plan using funding from the Government's Department for Transport.
The offer is designed to encourage more people to use the bus for leisure to explore their local area, visit family and friends and enjoy the scenic North Devon coast without the worry of transport costs.
The routes included in this offer cover a wide area across North Devon and detailed information about the specific routes and timetables can be found on the Stagecoach South West website.
Read the full story on the news page of our website.
 Overnight closures planned on A361 and A380
Overnight maintenance work will be carried out on the A361 and A380 this month.
Several overnight closures will be needed to undertake the work which includes re-tensioning of safety barriers, line marking, grass cutting, gully emptying and bridge inspections. All of the closures will be from 8pm to 6am.
Please read the full story on the news page of our website for details.
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