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Are you passionate about your local community? Would you like to be involved in decisions that make a profound difference to the lives of those living here in West Devon?
If this sounds familiar, we need you. Councillors make a huge difference to the quality of life of local people and how local issues are dealt with. The Council needs people from all backgrounds and experiences, to reflect the communities we serve, to put themselves forward for election.
Being a councillor is all about giving back to your community by bringing your energy, passion, and hard-working attitude. You can make a real difference to the local community and wider society in many ways as a councillor.
You could be representing the views of local people to ensure the community gets the right services, supporting a resident with an issue, or helping to shape the community by driving new ideas.
The role of councillor is a varied and highly fulfilling one. You don’t need any experience or special qualifications, and you’ll gain lots of new skills, experience, knowledge, and confidence. Councillors are paid an allowance and can work flexibly.
We are holding an event for prospective candidates who are interested in becoming Councillors at our offices on Monday 6 March at 6 p.m.
You’ll find our offices at:
Kilworthy Park,
Drake Road,
Tavistock,
PL19 0BZ
The Rural Services Network, in partnership with Citizens Advice, is running a Rural Cost of Living Household Survey.
Results from the survey will build on the Rural Cost of Living research that was commissioned last year and help the RSN to lobby Government Departments, MPs and other policy makers for a fairer deal for rural communities.
The survey will run until 31 March.
The RSN are thrilled with the 3,000 responses they have had so far but would like more and we are hoping you can help!
Ideally, we would like to target hard to reach rural residents, i.e. those without access to the internet or the capacity to engage with services online.
If you know anyone in your rural community that has limited access to the internet, we would love if you could help them to fill the survey out.
The survey can be completed multiple times on the same device, so even if you have completed the survey, you could use your device to help someone.
As much as we would like to supply paper surveys and input them ourselves, resources don’t allow. That’s why we would really appreciate your help.
West Devon Borough Council is looking at helping more residents than ever through its Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme.
The scheme offers significant reductions to council tax payments to households facing financial pressures, which is more important than ever, with many struggling with the cost of living crisis.
Following a public consultation held throughout November and December last year, we have proposed changes to the CTR scheme.
Among the most significant proposed change is to "uplift" bands 2, 3 and 4 of the scheme by 20% (above current inflation), a change to the minimum income floor for self-employed people with caring responsibilities and tweaking the earnings disregard to make it easier for the council to administer the scheme and make it easier to understand for residents.
The recommendations went before the Council's Hub Committee on 31 January, to be fully agreed by Council on 21 February.
Find out more on our website.
Plans have been released for how West Devon Council plans to spend the £1m funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund announced recently to help support the economy and reduce carbon emissions in the Borough.
The Council's Hub Committee met on 31 January 2023 and agreed how the funding would be used to support a wide range of ambitious programmes in support of its 'A Plan for West Devon' strategy for residents, communities and businesses across the Borough.
The overall programme, which will run for three years, will see up to £176,568 spent in its first year with the remaining funding spent by the end of the 2024/2025 financial year.
Find out more on our website.
Nominations are open for the 2023 West Devon Borough Council Mayoral Awards, which recognise deserving people providing valuable contributions to the community.
The Borough Council is looking for outstanding people who deserve public recognition for their unpaid work or contribution. Whether an individual, group or an organisation, the Council wants to hear about them.
The Mayoral Awards have now been running for a fantastic 25 years. They have celebrated the outstanding achievements of a wide range of people who have done something significant to benefit the Borough.
Some past winners have enhanced the reputation of West Devon nationally, while others have contributed hugely to the conservation and protection of the Borough's beautiful natural environment.
The four categories this year are:
- The West Devon Mayoral Award for Under 18s
- The West Devon Mayoral Award for Over 18s / Organisation
- The Mayor's Green Award
- Long Service Award
If you know someone who you think is deserving of an award, you can complete a nomination form, giving us details of why you think they should receive one.
Nominations close on Friday 17 February.
To access the nomination forms and for more information visit: www.westdevon.gov.uk/mayors-awards
You now need photo ID to vote at a polling station.
This could be your passport, driving license or blue badge but there are a lot more documents that are accepted. Find out more about what photo ID is suitable on our website.
If you don't have photo ID you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, which is a free voter ID document. Local elections are taking place on 4 May so make sure you have yours before 25 April.
Find out more on the Electoral Commission website.
As an organisation, we have pledged to make it as easy as possible for residents to contact the Council, thanks to a blend of modern technology, office appointments and home visits.
The Council's online forms, portals and digital channels make it easy for those online to interact with the authority at the touch of a button. Thanks to more and more Council processes being available online, more staff are freed up to support those who can't use the online services and need more support.
We're also working towards creating an appointment based system (similar to the existing planning service) across key services such as Council Tax, Housing and Housing Benefits. The system should be in place by the end of the year.
Home visits with the Council's Localities Officers are also available for residents who need additional support.
Our offices at Kilworthy Park in Tavistock are also open on Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. if you'd like to see us in person.
If you are struggling with the rising cost of living, head to our online support directory which signposts to services and organisations available across the borough.
It could help you get vital support during these difficult times, including advice and help with (but not limited to):
- Assistance the Council can offer residents
- Money and Debt Advice
- Fuel, Energy and Bills
- Abuse, Neglect and Violence
- Mental Health
Are you looking for a flexible role in a supportive and open culture? Click the button below to see our current vacancies.
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