We have formally adopted our Council Plan for 2024 - 2028 which sets out what we want to focus on over the next four years.
Our top priorities include tackling our housing challenges, protecting our environment, strengthening the local economy and improving health and wellbeing across the Borough.
Some of the projects we will be working on include more electric vehicle charging, delivery of the Okehampton Transport Hub, improving energy efficiency, more affordable homes for local people and support for care experienced children and young adults.
Find out more.
Despite difficult economic pressures, we have set a balanced budget for 2024/2025, helping us to support communities the best way we can.
A loss of £3 million per year in a core Government grant means that we have to now be independent when funding all of our services. To help fund these services, residents will see a small increase in Council Tax of £7.59 per year, (2.99%).
Please remember when your Council Tax bill lands on your mat, we only keep a very small portion of it (11%) to help fund our services. Most of the council tax bill is distributed to our partner organisations such as Devon County Council, Police and Fire authorities and town and parish councils. This supports the Borough's wider adult social care needs, children’s services and road networks.
Our Council Tax Reduction Scheme already supports over 3,200 households across the Borough, helping those most in need reduce their bills. New changes to our scheme will now mean more support for self-employed residents and those with a disability or health condition which affects how much they can work.
Find out more.
Time is running out with just over a week to go to nominate your West Devon hero. So if you know someone or an organisation doing great things for the community, enter them now for a Mayoral Award!
With four categories to choose from, there is plenty of scope to nominate worthy contenders for this year's awards.
- Under 18s
- Over 18s/Organisation
- The Mayor’s Green Award
- Long Service Award
Nominate online by 29 February 2024.
Do you run a village hall? Are you looking to make some improvements but cant afford the costs?
The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) funded grant scheme for those managing rural community buildings has now reopened with lower thresholds for smaller projects such as disability access, toilet upgrades and new kitchens.
Grants of between £2,000 and £5,000, and up to 20 per cent of eligible project costs, are on offer to new applicants.
Find out more.
No plans tomorrow?
Both Meadowlands and Parklands Leisure Centres are offering you and your families FREE taster sessions this Saturday, 24 February.
Try your hand at Power and Lift, Zumba and HIIT workouts or make a splash in the pool with a Wet and Wild session or lane swim.
There are also FREE gym sessions all day.
Find out more on the Fusion Lifestyle app or on the Meadowlands or Parklands Facebook pages.
Do you have a passion for nature and protecting our natural environment?
National Landscapes are looking for a skilled Project Manager to lead their 'Life on the Edge' project. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project aims to restore species-rich grasslands to secure a positive future for some of the UK’s rarest invertebrates and plants living along the South Devon coast.
They need someone who can drive real landscape scale change and inspire communities to take positive action for nature and the climate.
Up for the challenge?
Find out more.
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