Friday 20 March 2026
 Less than one week to go to have your say on the future of local government in Devon
There is now less than one week to respond to the Government's consultation on the future local government structure in Devon. The deadline is 11:59pm on Thursday 26 March.
We’re proposing a new Devon Unitary Council because we believe replacing the existing county and district council works best for everyone.
We produced a special edition of this newsletter this week, setting out how our proposal stacks up against the government's questions.
 What is meningitis? Symptoms, risks and how to protect yourself
You may have seen reports of meningitis cases in Kent. We want to reassure you that the local risk in Devon has not changed, and there is currently no evidence of wider spread.
However, it’s always important for people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, and for people to stay vigilant as these illnesses can develop very quickly.
 Devon to receive £1.3 million extra support as global conflict drives up heating oil costs
Devon is to receive an additional £1.3 million from government to help eligible low-income households who rely on heating oil cope with rising fuel costs driven by global events. The funding is aimed at supporting rural communities, where households are more likely to depend on heating oil rather than mains gas.
A new four-year strategy to improve support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse living in safe accommodation has been approved by our Cabinet. It sets out how we will meet our statutory duties under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, while responding to rising demand and increasingly complex needs across the county.
 Photo by Becky Craven
Devon’s Work Hubs have been raising awareness of Neurodiversity Celebration Week this week. The worldwide initiative challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences, with the aim of transforming how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported.
 Young Musicians Shine at Devon Music Education Hub’s Battle of the Bands Final
Congratulations to the band, Pariah, from Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton, who were crowned overall winners in this year's Battle of the Bands.
We and our Devon Music Education Hub have been celebrating the outstanding talent from the most exciting young bands from across the Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay. Pariah impressed the judges with their musicianship, stage presence, and originality.
Ticks are small, bloodsucking, spider-like creatures that live in grassland and woodland habitats. Some ticks can pass on infectious diseases when they bite you or your pets. Learn how to protect yourself, manage tick bites and stop the spread of diseases such as Lyme disease.
A shop in Bridge Street, Taunton, has been ordered to close for three months after being caught selling illegal tobacco and vaping products to children. The closure is the 26th secured by Heart of the South West Trading Standards in its area since July last year as part of its ongoing work to tackle illegal tobacco sales.
We and Devon and Cornwall Police are urging dog owners to act responsibly around farm animals as new legislation to tackle livestock worrying comes into force this week.
We welcomed a major new government announcement this week that will help young people find jobs and training.
The government has confirmed £1 billion of funding to support jobs, apprenticeships and work experience.
Work is progressing well to create a new section of the Cullompton Community Association shared-use path as part of the wider Cullompton Relief Road project. The route for the path is now fully excavated and prepared for construction.
The Tiverton Canal Company has announced that a third generation of the Brind family will be taking on the running of the living heritage attraction based at the Grand Western Canal.
"I’m sure the family will continue their great work with the attraction which brings the heritage of the canal alive for visitors," said Councillor Jacqi Hodgson.
Councillors have received an update on actions we have taken to protect and improve biodiversity across the county. The Biodiversity Duty Report, which explains how the Council is meeting its legal duty under the Environment Act 2021, will now be submitted to the Government.
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