This week in Devon:

Local Government Reorganisation: Councillors Voice Concerns Over Speed, Cost, and Community Impact

Devon's Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 30 July 2026, to grapple with the monumental task of restructuring local government in Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay. The overriding sentiment was one of concern and frustration regarding the pace, cost, and potential disruption of this top-down process. Councillors expressed anxieties about the financial implications, which some estimate could run into tens of millions of pounds, questioning the adequacy of government funding. The committee resolved to note and comment upon the government's decision, signalling their intent to scrutinise the emerging implementation arrangements closely.

Key Concerns Raised:

• Financial Strain: The estimated transition costs were a major point of contention. With government funding of £900,000 per new unitary authority plus £150,000 for leadership development, many councillors felt this was insufficient. Councillor Neil Stevens QVRM highlighted that any overspend would ultimately fall on taxpayers, a sentiment echoed by others who feared the financial burden could be substantial.
• Community Severance: The proposed warding arrangements for the new unitary authorities came under fire for potentially splitting communities. Councillor Paul Hayward presented data suggesting significant disparities in councillor workload and area coverage, arguing the proposals were inequitable. Councillor Louise Wainwright raised specific concerns about areas like Ottery St. Mary and West Hill being split, despite strong community links. The tight deadline for submissions, set by the government for 17 August, was criticised as suboptimal and hindering proper democratic engagement.
• Staff Uncertainty: Councillor Neil Stevens QVRM voiced concerns about the impact on council staff, including potential job losses and the effect on recruitment and retention. While officers assured the committee that staff would be transferred under TUPE regulations, the exact future structures and roles remain unclear, adding to the uncertainty for the workforce.
• Naming of New Authorities: The confirmed name Devon Council for the new authority caused confusion and concern, with Councillor Louise Wainwright questioning why parts of Devon would not be included. Officers explained the name was government-confirmed following local discussions, but acknowledged a process exists to apply for changes.

The committee's work programme will now focus on reviewing the council's implementation arrangements, with a clear mandate to scrutinise governance, risk management, and transition planning.

• For more details on the LGR Scrutiny Committee meeting, see the meeting summary.

Standards Committee Upholds Code of Conduct Breaches

The Standards Committee met on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, to address an allegation of a breach of the Members' Code of Conduct. The committee found that a Subject Member had breached the code in two key areas: treating others with courtesy and respect and bringing the office or the Council into disrepute.

Findings and Sanctions

The committee resolved by a majority vote that the Subject Member had breached Code of Conduct 4(a) (courtesy and respect) and Code of Conduct 5(i) (bringing the office or Council into disrepute). Breaches were not found in relation to other aspects of the code, including bullying or compromising the impartiality of council staff.

As a consequence of these findings, the Subject Member will be required to:

• Provide a written apology to the complainants.
• Undertake bespoke one-to-one training with the Monitoring Officer within three months. This training will focus on the code of conduct and recognising the impact of communications on recipients.

The committee acknowledged the Subject Member's right to express views and challenge service performance, but emphasised the importance of doing so respectfully and without discrediting the office or the council. This decision highlights the council's commitment to upholding ethical standards and ensuring councillors conduct themselves appropriately, which is vital for maintaining public trust and the integrity of local government.

• For more details on the Standards Committee meeting, see the meeting summary.

This week in Devon:

Road Safety and Traffic Management Take Centre Stage in East Devon and Teignbridge

This week, two Highways and Traffic Orders Committees met to address crucial local issues, from road safety on busy routes to the practicalities of parking restrictions. The East Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee met on Monday, 20 July 2026, and the Teignbridge Highways and Traffic Orders Committee met on Thursday, 23 July 2026.

A376 Speed Limit Reduction: A Move Towards Safer Journeys

A significant decision from the East Devon HATOC was the endorsement of a proposal to reduce the speed limit on a section of the A376 Clyst St Mary. The speed limit will be lowered from the national speed limit to 50mph on dual carriageway sections and 40mph on single-lane sections. This decision comes after an analysis of collision data revealed this stretch of road as a high-risk area, with a disproportionately high rate of serious injuries.

Councillor Henry Gent and Councillor Jeffrey Trail BEM spoke in favour of the reduction, highlighting the road's dangerous nature. Councillor Helen Brown voiced concerns about driver compliance, suggesting speed cameras might be necessary. James Anstee, the Road Safety Manager for Devon County Council, explained that while speed cameras are not installed for revenue, they are considered where there's a history of collisions and poor speed compliance. This move aims to make this busy route safer for all road users, particularly in adverse weather conditions or during darkness, when a high proportion of collisions occur.

• For more details on the East Devon HATOC meeting, see the meeting summary.

Dawlish Road Safety and Teignmouth Parking: Community Concerns Addressed

In Teignbridge, the Highways and Traffic Orders Committee was set to discuss several road safety and traffic management issues. A key item was the ongoing work on road safety in Dawlish, specifically concerning the A379 junction with Elm Grove Road. Plans were underway for a new crossing on Elm Grove Road, outside Dawlish College, and an upgrade to the existing zebra crossing on Exeter Road. The committee was to receive an update on a traffic model being developed to assess the implications of these changes. A recommendation regarding these crossings was anticipated for the Autumn.

Councillor David Cox BEM had also requested updates on matters concerning the Upper Den Carriageway and the weight restriction on Bank Street and Teign Street in Teignmouth. These discussions highlight the committee's role in responding to specific local concerns raised by councillors and residents.

The committee also noted a report detailing actions taken under delegated powers, which included various traffic regulation orders across the district, such as implementing speed limits and waiting restrictions in areas like Ogwell and Exminster. These actions, often progressed after consultation with local members and residents, demonstrate the council's ongoing work to manage local traffic flow and safety.

• For more details on the Teignbridge HATOC meeting, see the meeting summary.

Council Property Disposals: Streamlining Assets for Future Use

The Land and Property Committee met on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, to make decisions on the disposal of several council-owned properties. These decisions are part of the council's ongoing Property Change Programme, which aims to manage its property assets effectively by reducing, disposing of, retaining, and repurposing land and buildings.

Key Disposals Approved: From Rugby Grounds to Fire Station Car Parks

The committee resolved to declare seven properties surplus to requirements and proceed with their disposal. Among these were:

• Ivybridge Rugby Club Training Ground: This ground, leased to the club since 2009, will be sold to the club. Restrictive covenants will be included to ensure its continued use as a sports ground, supporting community sports facilities. Councillor Henry Gent proposed the disposal, highlighting the club's intention to invest in the site.
• Axminster Fire Station Car Park: This area, used by Devon and Cornwall Police for many years, will be disposed of to the Police Authority. This will secure parking for police vehicles and potentially support future accommodation needs, reinforcing the local police presence. Richard Hopley, Clerk to Axminster Town Council, spoke in support, emphasising the importance of this for the local police.
• Former Barnstaple Link Community Centre: This uneconomical building will be disposed of on the open market, potentially suitable for the development of two small terrace houses. The committee agreed to the officer's recommendation, with an addendum to inform the local authority of the site's disposal.
• Beech Farm, Ivybridge: This site, acquired for a highway scheme that is no longer viable, will be offered back to the previous owner or sold on the open market. Councillor Tony Carson noted that the rejection of the Lee Mill slip road scheme was due to National Highways, not Devon County Council.

The committee also deferred a decision on the disposal of The Paddock, Mary Tavy, to allow for further discussions with interested parties. The Torridgeside Link Centre, previously declared surplus, will be retained by the council due to a change in circumstances regarding its potential transfer.

These disposals are part of a strategy to generate capital receipts, which can then be reinvested in council services or used to balance the budget. The committee noted a background report detailing previous disposals and anticipated future capital receipts, acknowledging the challenging market conditions for property sales.

• For more details on the Land and Property Committee meeting, see the meeting summary.

Locality Budgets and Treasury Management: Scrutiny Committee Reviews Funding and Financial Health

The Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, to review the council's financial management and the allocation of local funds. The committee examined the Locality Budget Annual Report and the Treasury Management Annual Report.

Locality Budgets: Member Feedback and Potential Increases

The committee reviewed the Locality Budget Annual Report for 2025-2026, detailing how the £399,900 allocated to councillors had been spent. Councillors expressed a desire for more detailed reporting on spending patterns, including geographical spread and the types of organisations receiving grants. Councillor Michael Mitchell suggested that the annual report could benefit from more illustrative commentary.

A discussion arose regarding the potential to increase the £10,000 locality budget allowance per member. Councillor Nick Hookway proposed a review with a view to increasing the allowance, citing inflationary pressures. However, Councillor Victor Abbott cautioned against this due to the council's overall financial constraints. Councillor Michael Mitchell highlighted that only 22 out of 60 councillors spent their full allocation, suggesting a survey of all members to gauge their views before considering an increase.

The committee ultimately agreed to note the report and recommended that a survey of elected members be undertaken to understand usage patterns, requests, and barriers to using locality budgets. The results will inform future budget allocations and the medium-term financial strategy. This approach ensures that decisions about local funding are informed by the experiences and needs of councillors and their communities.

Treasury Management: A Strong Year for Financial Performance

The committee also reviewed the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2025-2026. Councillor James Wachowski, Cabinet Member for Finance and Public Value, presented the report, highlighting a strong year for the council's treasury management. He noted that borrowing had been managed effectively, refinancing activities had delivered savings, and investment income had exceeded the budget. The council remained within its approved prudential indicators and treasury management strategy.

Mark Gayler, Assistant Director for Pensions and Investments, provided further detail, explaining that borrowing had been managed efficiently, and refinancing activities had resulted in significant annual revenue savings. Investment income also exceeded the budget. The report indicated that while the council had borrowed £22 million to fund the 2024-2025 capital programme, no external borrowing had been required for the 2025-2026 capital programme to date. This prudent financial management is crucial for maintaining the council's financial stability and its ability to deliver services.

• For more details on the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee meeting, see the meeting summary.

This week in Devon:

Council Assets to Host 5G Infrastructure, Protecting North Devon's Coastline, and Planning for Next Year

Devon County Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, making decisions that will impact digital connectivity, environmental conservation, and the council's operational planning for the coming year. The most significant decision was the approval of a new policy to facilitate the installation of 5G mobile infrastructure on council-owned land and buildings.

Boosting 5G Coverage Across Devon

The Cabinet approved a new policy designed to make it easier for mobile network operators to install small cell 5G equipment on council assets. This move is intended to significantly improve 5G coverage across Devon, with a particular focus on rural areas that often lag behind in digital connectivity. Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband, welcomed the decision, highlighting its potential to encourage commercial investment and bridge the digital divide. This policy aligns with the council's strategic goals of supporting economic inclusion and local prosperity through better digital infrastructure. The authority to finalise the policy and enter into agreements was delegated to relevant Directors.

North Devon Coast National Landscape Management Plan Adopted

A crucial step in protecting Devon's natural beauty was taken with the adoption of the new five-year Management Plan for the North Devon Coast National Landscape. This plan, covering 2025-2030, sets out a shared vision and actionable steps to conserve and enhance this cherished area. It addresses key themes of Nature, People, and Place, with a strong emphasis on tackling the climate emergency and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Bio-diversity, noted the plan's alignment with the council's strategic priorities for a greener Devon. The adoption of this plan is a statutory requirement, reinforcing the council's commitment to preserving the natural beauty of national landscapes for future generations.

Annual Delivery Plan for 2026/27 Approved

The Cabinet also approved the Annual Delivery Plan for 2026/27. This plan acts as a roadmap for how the council will achieve its goals outlined in the Strategic Plan 2025-2029. A significant focus for the upcoming year will be preparing for the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), ensuring that services continue to run smoothly and legally during the transition to a single unitary council. Councillor James Buczkowski, Cabinet Member for Finance, confirmed that the plan has been developed within existing resources, with any additional costs related to LGR to be reported separately.

Updated Inclusion and Learning Policies for Schools

A suite of updated Inclusion and Learning Policies was approved, aiming to create a more supportive and effective education system for all children in Devon. These policies cover:

• Alternative Provision (AP): Clarifying its use for time-limited interventions.
• Attendance: Promoting excellent attendance with a support-first approach.
• Children Missing Education (CME): Treating this as a potential safeguarding concern.
• Elective Home Education (EHE): Ensuring children receiving education at home are suitably educated and safeguarded.
• Permanent Exclusion: Emphasising it as a last resort.
• Section 19 Policy: Detailing how education will be arranged for children unable to attend school due to illness or other circumstances.

Councillors Denise Bickley and Julian Brazil, Cabinet Members for Children's Services, welcomed these policies, noting their importance in fulfilling statutory duties and improving outcomes, particularly for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Notices of Motion Considered

Several Notices of Motion were discussed, with recommendations made to the full Council:

• Housing Development Impact: The Cabinet recommended noting the statutory requirements for assessing cumulative impacts of housing development and engaging with authorities to ensure growth is matched by infrastructure investment.
• Brexit and Economic Harm: The Cabinet recommended acknowledging the economic impacts of Brexit and agreeing that the Leader of the Council should write to relevant ministers and MPs to express concerns about trading relationships with European markets.
• Airborne Particulate Risk: The Cabinet recommended noting that existing planning and regulatory frameworks adequately address the impacts of dust on human health.
• Protecting Devon's Visitor Economy: The Cabinet recommended reaffirming support for Devon's visitor economy and noting the council's lack of power to introduce a visitor levy.
• Divestment Recommendation: This motion was noted as having already been considered by the Investment and Pension Fund Committee.
• Expanding Bus Lane Access: The Cabinet recommended advocating for behaviour change activity funding and noting the commencement of a feasibility assessment for motorcycles in bus lanes.
• Smarter Use of Traffic Signals: The Cabinet recommended noting that traffic signal assets are modern and national legislation governs their operation, with changes requiring significant investment.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Cabinet meeting summary.

Pension Board Elects New Leadership and Reviews Fund Performance

The Devon Pension Board met on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, to elect its Chair and Vice-Chair and to review the performance and risk management of the Devon Pension Fund.

New Leadership for the Pension Board

Councillor Andy Bowman was elected as the new Chair of the Devon Pension Board, with Councillor Steve Keable elected as Vice-Chair.

Employer Performance and Risk Register Reviewed

The Board received an update on employer performance, noting improvements in the timeliness of contributions and data submissions. While a small number of employers were fined for late data submissions, the overall performance was considered good. The Board also reviewed the Devon Pension Fund Risk Register, noting that the transition from Brunel to LPPI had led to the removal of a transitional risk. Two high risks remain: Investments – External Market Risks and Cyber Security. Discussions focused on ensuring the effectiveness of mitigation measures, particularly concerning cyber attack risks and the oversight of third-party providers.

Administration and LGPS Updates

Gareth Shackler from Peninsula Pensions presented a positive update on administration performance, highlighting a 95% overall performance rate and a significant reduction in outstanding workflow. The McCloud remedy work was progressing well, with a deadline of 31 August 2026 for payments to pensioners. An update on the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) covered new government requirements under the 'Fit for the Future' changes, including restrictions on salary sacrifice contributions and the impact of a revised SCAPE discount rate.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Devon Pension Board meeting summary.

Dryden Road Traffic Order Approved, Parking Schemes Deferred in Exeter

The Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) met on Monday, 13 July 2026, to discuss traffic management proposals in the city. The committee approved the advertisement of a traffic regulation order for Dryden Road, which includes extending a 20mph zone and revoking a prohibition of motor vehicles. However, decisions on residents' parking schemes in the Woodwater Lane area and the prioritisation of future parking schemes were deferred.

Dryden Road Traffic Regulation Order Approved

The committee approved the advertisement of a traffic regulation order for Dryden Road. This order will revoke the existing prohibition of motor vehicles and extend the 20mph zone. The public consultation revealed a strong preference for options that reintroduce two-way vehicle movement while incorporating cycle facilities. Concerns about cycle safety and overall cost were noted. The estimated cost for the preferred option is between £500,000 and £650,000, which may require approval from the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority. A new pedestrian crossing on Church Lane was also proposed to improve access between the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and St Michael and All Angels Church.

Exeter Residents Parking Schemes Deferred

Consideration of residents' parking proposals for the Woodwater Lane area was deferred. Following consultation, it was recommended that these proposals not be progressed, with a suggestion that the area not be reconsidered for residents' parking for at least five years. The prioritisation of future residents' parking schemes across Exeter was also deferred, with officers noting resource limitations and the need to manage resident expectations.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee meeting summary.

Standards Committee Addresses Member Safety and Ombudsman Complaints

The Standards Committee met on Thursday, 16 July 2026, to discuss critical issues concerning the safety and conduct of councillors, as well as the outcomes of complaints investigated by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Member Safety and Wellbeing Under Review

An audit by the Devon Audit Partnership highlighted that councillors are experiencing increased levels of abuse, intimidation, and harassment through various channels, including social media and public meetings. The committee was updated on actions being taken, including engagement with the police regarding enhanced security and consideration of a personal alarm app for members. The Local Government Association's (LGA) new guidance on elected members' use of social media was also discussed, with options for its adoption being explored. Councillor Robin Julian shared a concerning case of a councillor facing significant abuse, underscoring the urgent need for robust support mechanisms. The committee agreed to note the audit's outcomes and welcome the ongoing work to support member safety and wellbeing.

Ombudsman Complaints and Service Improvements

The committee received a report on Ombudsman outcomes concerning Devon County Council for the year April 2025 to March 2026. While the council's upheld complaint rate was below the average for similar authorities, the number of upheld complaints per 100,000 residents was slightly higher. A key area for improvement identified was the timely implementation of satisfactory remedies, with only 4% of upheld complaints having remedies implemented before reaching the Ombudsman. Financial remedies, totalling just under £58,000, were mostly related to Special Educational Needs (SEN) complaints. The council's compliance with deadlines for responding to the Ombudsman also requires improvement, with information provided on time in only 72% of cases. The committee noted the report and requested directors to continue monitoring service improvements.

National Updates on Standards in Public Life

The committee received an update on national developments in standards for local government, including the increasing role of the Ethics and Integrity Commission. Common themes in recent high-profile standards cases from other authorities, such as conduct bringing the office of councillor into disrepute and bullying and harassment, were highlighted. The committee noted the report, which will be shared council-wide.

Local Determination of Complaints

An update on complaints received under the Members' Code of Conduct indicated an increase compared to the previous year, with recurring themes including social media activity and comments made during meetings. The committee noted the report, which detailed the source, nature of allegations, outcomes, and current actions for each complaint.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Standards Committee meeting summary.

Devon Assurance Partnership Reviews Financial Performance and Elects New Leadership

The Devon Assurance Partnership Committee met on Friday, 17 July 2026, to review its financial performance for the 2025/26 financial year and to elect its new Chair and Vice-Chair.

Balanced Budget and Small Surplus Achieved

The committee reviewed the financial outturn for the Devon Assurance Partnership (DAP) for 2025/26, which showed a balanced budget with a small surplus of £31,517. This surplus was higher than anticipated due to additional external work undertaken in the fourth quarter. The partnership managed in-year pressures, such as the pay award, by focusing on internal recruitment and not replacing all departing staff like-for-like. The Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26 confirmed the committee's responsibility for ensuring a sound system of internal control.

Performance and Staffing Updates

The committee also received an update on DAP's performance in delivering services to its partners. The partnership remained flexible and responsive, focusing on increasing cross-partner added value. The workforce was noted as stable, with new staff joining and a focus on delivering agreed work for 2026/27 alongside support for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Customer satisfaction remained high at 97%.

New Chair and Vice-Chair Elected

The committee elected Councillor Matt Steele as its new Chair and Councillor Alan Connett as its new Vice-Chair.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Devon Assurance Partnership Committee meeting summary.

This week in Devon:

Public Rights of Way: New Routes Approved in Tiverton and Petrockstowe

The Public Rights of Way Committee met on Monday, 6 July 2026, to consider proposals for new public rights of way. The committee resolved to make modification orders for two routes, one in the Parish of Tiverton and another in the Parish of Petrockstowe. These decisions will formally recognise and protect public access to these routes, ensuring they remain available for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Tiverton: Adding a Restricted Byway to Withleigh Lane

The committee resolved to add a Restricted Byway along Withleigh Lane in the Parish of Tiverton. This decision follows an examination of historical maps and documents, some dating back to 1809, which indicated the lane's existence and public use. While recent user evidence was limited, no landowners objected to the proposal. The officer's report concluded that common law evidence was sufficient to allege that a restricted byway subsists. This means the route can be used by walkers, horse riders, and cyclists, but not by motor vehicles.

Petrockstowe: New Routes for Public Access

In the Parish of Petrockstowe, a Modification Order was approved to add a restricted byway along New Road and a footpath along American Lane. This decision was based on extensive documentary and user evidence. Historical maps showed the routes, and evidence from 31 members of the public detailed continuous use for walking, horse riding, cycling, and by vehicle from the 1960s to 2021. Despite some landowners arguing for private status, the committee found sufficient evidence of public use to justify the modification orders. New Road will be recorded as a restricted byway, and American Lane as a footpath. This decision ensures that these routes remain accessible for recreational use, benefiting the local community and visitors.

The committee also noted several other reports concerning public path diversions, modification orders, and decisions from public inquiries.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Public Rights of Way Committee meeting summary.

South Hams Highways: Traffic Calming and Speed Issues on the Agenda

The South Hams Highways and Traffic Orders Committee met on Friday, 10 July 2026, to discuss traffic calming measures and speed issues in the South Hams district. The committee received updates on actions taken under delegated powers, including the implementation of new speed limits and waiting restrictions in several areas.

Traffic Calming and Speeding Concerns

The committee was scheduled to receive updates on traffic calming measures, including a pedestrian crossing for bus stops on Bridgetown Hill, Totnes. They were also to be updated on speed issues on the B3213 near David's Lane.

Actions Taken Under Delegated Powers

A report detailed actions taken under delegated powers since the previous meeting. These included:

• Ugborough: A 20mph speed limit was implemented on various streets after objections were resolved.
• Ivybridge: No Waiting At Any Time restrictions were introduced on Cornwood Road and Westover Lane, along with a road hump on Westover Lane. Objections were resolved, and the orders were implemented.
• Ivybridge: A limited waiting bay on Erme Road was reduced to allow for a new vehicle crossing, following the resolution of objections.

These actions demonstrate the council's ongoing efforts to manage local traffic and improve road safety, often through detailed consultation and the resolution of community concerns.

You can find more details about these discussions in the South Hams Highways and Traffic Orders Committee meeting summary.