Friday 7 February 2025
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The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA) – the governance needed for devolved decision-making powers and funding to flow from Whitehall to local decision-makers in Devon and Torbay – is now official. It means that decisions, previously made in Whitehall, will now be made locally on priority issues, including housing, jobs and skills, transport and the economy.
 Devon County Council elections to be held in May
Our elections will go ahead in May after the Government turned down a full council request to postpone them. We made the request following the publication of a Government’s White Paper which set out its ambition for devolution, and last month our Councillors voted in support of asking for the elections to be delayed to provide capacity to progress reorganisation and mayoral devolution at pace.
Her Majesty Queen Camilla spent the day in Devon earlier this week and visited our partner organisation, Exeter CoLab. She found out more about the work of the charity, in particular the journey and ambition of CoLab Women which supports individuals who have experienced homelessness, domestic abuse, trauma and drug and alcohol issues.
 Illegal levels of plastic-softening chemicals found in plastic beach shoes
Our Trading Standards service is recommending that children’s plastic beach shoes are tested nationally after some products on sale in Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay were found to contain banned chemicals and had to be removed from sale.
We’re ranked fourth out of 152 county councils and unitary authorities for the proportion of people who access adult social care services surveyed who are satisfied with their care and support.
 Work due to start next week on road repairs near Ottery St Mary
Repairs to a collapsed retaining wall and edge of a road on the outskirts of Ottery St Mary in East Devon are expected to get underway shortly. We’ve had all necessary approvals granted and a contractor is due to start work on Wednesday 12 February.
Finding work can feel like a job in itself, and sometimes its not easy. Whether you’re looking to build new skills, learn about funded or partially funded training, get support to find new jobs or develop your workforce, we’ve got you covered. Our learning, employment and skills hubs provide in-person support and information about different career options, jobs, and learning opportunities for adults and young people in Devon.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging young people to take up the HPV vaccine in schools when offered. It reduces your chances of getting human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that's spread through skin contact. Most types of HPV are harmless, but some types are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. You can find out more about the HPV vaccine, including how to get it, on the NHS website.
LGBTQ+ History Month, celebrated every February in the UK, is a time to highlight the history, achievements, and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s theme is ‘Activism and Social Change’. This month-long celebration aims to raise awareness about the experiences and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to our shared history to help combat prejudice and discrimination.
As a baby grows past those very early few months, the focus for parents often moves onto the introduction of solid food into their child’s diet. We wanted to make sure you have the key information ready for this new, exciting stage for you and your child, so our health visiting service is offering free online support sessions for parents and carers about introducing solid foods.
This winter our libraries, which are run by the charity Libraries Unlimited on our behalf, are offering warm, safe, and friendly spaces for all. They're also accepting donations of warm coats, clothing, food, and hygiene products to support those in need. Your generosity will make a big difference!
Norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug (although it can strike at any time of year), is a stomach bug that causes sickness and diarrhoea. Cases typically increase through autumn and into winter, but this year the number of cases are notably higher than the five-season average. Find out how you can help reduce the spread and stay well this winter.
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