Friday 19 December 2025
Devon’s Children’s Commissioner has acknowledged significant improvements at Devon County Council and warned against the risk of breaking up the service as part of local government reorganisation.
In a report published this week the Department for Education’s Commissioner, Nigel Richardson CBE, recognises significant progress in improving services for children and families, while acknowledging that further work is needed.
Our Leader, Councillor Julian Brazil, has sharply criticised proposals which could lead to elections being postponed in Exeter and Plymouth, and has arranged a special meeting to discuss the county’s response.
Councillor Brazil has described the proposal, put forward by local government minister Alison McGovern as Parliament closed yesterday, as undemocratic and ‘incredibly dangerous’.
He said yesterday, “It’s this kind of double dealing and dishonesty that frustrates people. It’s right out of the Putin school of politics."
Claims made that Devon will see a "23% increase" in funding, following the Government's announcement of the provisional local government finance settlement this week, are inaccurate and highly misleading.
The warning comes amid public statements suggesting a major uplift in funding for local services, based on headline figures in the announcement.
Two more shops, both in Taunton, have closed after Trading Standards officers and Police found illegal tobacco and vapes on their premises.
Good progress is being made on the A382 improvements, and the project is on schedule despite the heavy downpours over the last couple of months.
The Chair of Devon County Council, Councillor Caroline Leaver, wishes you and your families peace, happiness, and good health this Christmas and in the year ahead.
In her end of year message, she talks about the challenge of mental health and loneliness, and her gratitude for everyone across Devon who continues to strengthen the fabric of our communities.
We published our latest 'Winter Support and Wellbeing’ newsletter this month, sharing practical advice and local resources to help you and your family stay healthy, warm, and safe this season.
Flu levels are beginning to stablise for the first time this season according to the latest data this week from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). However, the agency says it's too early to say if flu has peaked this season and it is encouraging everyone to continue following good hygiene measures.
We welcomed a funding award of just over £13.3 million announced by Active Travel England this week. We will receive the total over four years from April. The funding needs to be spent on developing and constructing facilities for walking and cycling, as well as network planning and Bikeability cycle training.
Flags attached to streetlights lining Bridge Road in Exeter were removed last Sunday evening. Highways officers used cherry pickers to remove the flags from streetlights that are either six or eight metres in height.
Overnight road closures will be needed for two weeks on the A396 between Bampton and Tiverton for essential maintenance next month.
A major stabilisation scheme is due to be undertaken on the B3212 between Dunsford and Doccombe, early in the New Year. From Monday 5 January, the road will be closed from Steps Bridge to Little Haytor Farm for 18 weeks.
Dry January® is about taking a break and resetting your drinking habits, to feel healthier and happier.
31 days without alcohol can have some amazing benefits
- Sleep better and have more energy
- Improve your mental health and concentration
- Positive impact on blood sugar levels, blood pressure and the liver
- Look fabulous and get brighter skin
- Save money
From all of us here in the Communications Team at Devon County Council, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
For information about the council's opening times over the Christmas period, visit our website.
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