Friday 21 March 2025
At a special full council meeting this week, County Councillors in the majority voted in support of the approach taken by the council in developing ambitious plans for local government reorganisation in Devon. Council leaders believe a new model offers the chance to eliminate duplication, simplify structures, and unlock efficiencies, ensuring resources are invested in frontline services rather than administration.
Construction of the new community building and GP surgery proposed for South West Exeter is due to start in April. These are the final elements of infrastructure being delivered in the area with funding (£48.6m) from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund administered by Homes England to support the development of 2,500 new homes on the outskirts of the city.
Next month we’re launching an innovative new Domestic Abuse Support Service, where an individual’s background and experiences are used to shape the support that they receive.
A total of £7.7 million will be invested in walking and cycling schemes across Devon in 2025/26. This funding, which is a combination of our Transport Capital Programme, and the additional £3.9 million Active Travel England funding announced last month by Government, will support a series of projects.
A 12-month trial which will alter the dimming regime of around 80 per cent of Devon’s residential streetlights will get underway next month. We calculate that this change will achieve a reduction of circa 225 tonnes of carbon per annum. At current energy prices this proposal could save us as much as £300k per year.
A scheme in Plymouth Road, Tavistock, is among those to benefit from a £16 million capital funding pot secured through the devolution agreement between Devon and Torbay and the Government, which formed the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA). Repurposing an old council building, it will provide three homes, while also maximising energy and carbon savings to align with West Devon Borough Council and the DTCCA’s net zero ambitions.
The digital world is an important space for many neurodivergent young people, but also a place that can expose them to risks and harmful behaviours. Safer Devon is running a free online webinar for parents and carers exploring the digital spaces young people engage with and practical tips and guidance on creating safe and supportive online spaces for young people.
Our Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service took part in a major operation to disrupt the sale of illegal tobacco across the region last week. Our Trading Standards Officers, supported by Devon and Cornwall Police, visited six retailers, four in Torquay and two in Exeter. Illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vapes with a selling on value of more than £16,000 were seized in total.
Parents, young people and providers were among those celebrating supported internships at a recent Exeter Future Skills Centre event. In the last three years, more than 300 young people in Devon with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) have gained qualifications and work experience through government-funded supported internships, often leading to paid employment.
We've received our largest ever funding award from the Department for Education (DfE) for the expansion of our successful Train4Tomorrow adult skills training programme. The investment of just over £8 million will enable more than 2,500 adults in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay to access Skills Bootcamps to upskill, change careers or explore new job opportunities.
We're receiving the funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) to support our Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) for the 2025/26 financial year. The money will be invested to increase bus patronage across the county, and build on the achievements of previous BSIP projects.
Extensive public consultation and stakeholder engagement has informed the development of the Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan (LTP) 2025-2040, produced jointly with Torbay Council. It will now be submitted to the newly formed Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority in the next stage of its progression towards adoption.
 Schemes to safeguard communities from flooding given funding boost
Our annual Flood Risk Management Action Plan for the upcoming financial year has been rubber stamped by councillors, who also approved increasing the capital programme by £152,500 for 2025/26 and by £142,500 for 2026/27.
 Have Your Food and Eat It!
It’s Food Waste Action Week! One simple way you can reduce the amount of food you throw away is to buy loose fruit and veg. Recycle Devon can help you cut down on food waste and save money with their handy tips on how to create quick and easy recipes, how to make the best of leftovers and storage/reheating advice. They've also got a free recipe book available at on their website.
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