As Leader of West Devon Borough Council, I am really proud of the Council and what it has achieved in 2024 during an exceptionally busy year.
While continuing to deliver our key services to a high standard, I have taken a lead role across the County in my chairing of the Devon Housing Taskforce which has seen us being a major player in tackling the housing crisis. We have also focussed on ensuring our residents have been provided with valuable financial support through the ongoing cost of living crisis. I am also really proud of the innovation in our local business community and I have visited some exceptional businesses that are really putting West Devon on the map.
As a Council, we have reiterated our commitment to the environment and nature even further with the launch of two flagship schemes; our wildlife warden scheme, looking at how we can support the area’s biodiversity, and the thermal imaging camera scheme, which will help residents make their homes more efficient while also saving them money. We can’t do this alone, and none of this would have been possible without the fabulous local groups, organisations and volunteers that work with us and do so much for our local communities, day in, day out.
Looking ahead, I know there will be challenges in 2025, going forward, we will continue to support our farming community to lobby government for changes that affect them. There is also a recent proposal to re-organise local government in the coming years, but whatever that brings, I am fully committed to ensuring that the Council stands ready to support all our residents and businesses.
It is now the time of year to celebrate our excellent work together and the festive season with family and friends. May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful new year.
Best wishes
Cllr Mandy Ewings
Leader of West Devon Borough Council
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We know that many people experience financial hardship because of the cost of living, particular in the winter months and around Christmas time.
We are doing all we can to help people who may be struggling, including the introduction of new payments from the Household Support Fund for those most in need. Find out more.
We also work alongside Citizens Advice who offer advice to help with concerns such as energy bills, benefits and debt.
For those who may be struggling with energy bills, we are offering our communities the chance to use thermal imaging cameras to see how they could be more energy efficient.
Our online support directory can also signpost you to services and organisations that could help you through a difficult time. Here you will find pages on:
- Fuel, energy and bills
- Money and debt advice
- Direct assistance from the Council
- Warm spaces - Find one near you
- Foodbanks - Find one near you
- Housing, grants and homelessness
- Abuse, neglect and violence
And don't forget, if you are over State Pension age, please check if a claim can be made for Pension Credit. We don't want people in South Hams to miss out on money they may desperately need.
Your waste and recycling collection days will be different over the Christmas and New Year period.
Click here to find out more about when your waste and recycling collections will take place over Christmas and New Year.
It's less than a week to go until Christmas - and we're all busy wrapping presents, enjoying snacks and getting ready to enjoy ourselves with loved ones.
But have you thought about how you could make this Christmas more sustainable?
We’re asking everyone in West Devon to recycle as much as they can this Christmas – we’ve got some handy information on our website about what you can and can’t recycle this Christmas.
We close for the festive period from 5 p.m. on 23 December. We will reopen on 2 January at 9 a.m.
If you have an emergency, call our emergency helpline on 01822 813360. You can find out about our services, make payments and applications, and view your Council Tax account on our website - www.westdevon.gov.uk
If you wish to make a payment over the phone rather than on the website, you can do so on our automated payment line on 0330 088 7949.
Are you looking for a flexible role in a supportive and open culture? Join the Council! We have a number of exciting roles available for the right person.
Click the button below to see our current vacancies.
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