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Weekly updates

East Devon Council Approves New Poverty Work Programme and Leisure Strategy

This past week, East Devon Council held three key meetings, focusing on poverty alleviation, leisure strategy, and licensing. Here’s a detailed look at the discussions and decisions.

Poverty Working Panel - Monday 24 June 2024

The Poverty Working Panel made significant strides in addressing poverty in East Devon. Key decisions and discussions included:

Approval of 2024-25 Work Programme

The panel approved the proposed work programme for 2024-25 and recommended that the updated terms of reference be approved by Cabinet. This sets the framework for the panel’s activities over the next year, focusing on effective poverty alleviation strategies.

Household Support Fund Update

The panel received an update on the progress of administering the Household Support Fund. Between October 2023 and March 2024, 1,358 households in East Devon received payments, primarily to help with food costs. The fifth tranche of the fund will run until September 2024, providing £100 payments to eligible households, including those with disabled members or carers, and care leavers.

Councillors expressed concern about the high proportion of payments made to help households buy food. Sharon Church, Benefits and Financial Resilience Manager, confirmed that some people were using foodbanks and community larders but still needed additional support from the council.

Public Health Strategy 2024-2027

Helen Wareham, Public Health Project Officer, presented the East Devon District Council's Public Health Strategy 2024-2027, highlighting priorities such as the cost of living crisis, mental health, and homelessness. Wareham encouraged the panel to use the strategy as a tool to influence their decisions.

Voluntary Sector Anti-Poverty Event

The panel agreed to organize an anti-poverty event for voluntary sector organisations in East Devon this autumn. The event aims to foster networking and contribute to the development of the council's updated poverty strategy.

Timelines for Updating the Poverty Strategy

Libby Jarrett, Assistant Director of Revenue and Benefits, provided a timeline for updating the council's poverty strategy, which is due to be launched in July 2024. The new strategy will consider factors such as the new council plan, collaborative efforts, and the withdrawal of emergency financial support.

Leisure Strategy Delivery Forum (formerly LED Monitoring Forum) - Tuesday 25 June 2024

The forum received updates on the performance of the council's leisure facilities and the ongoing options appraisal into leisure provision.

LED Performance

The forum reviewed a report on the performance of leisure facilities in April 2024, noting that usage has returned to pre-COVID levels. There were 24,285 visits to swimming pools in February 2024. The forum also reviewed key performance indicators for LED Community Leisure from March 2023 to April 2024.

Leisure and Playing Pitch Requirements

Liz Taylor from Strategic Leisure updated the forum on the options appraisal for the council's leisure services. This appraisal will involve a series of six workshops to help members understand how different factors interlink, such as the condition and number of facilities and their catchment areas.

Licensing and Enforcement Sub Committee - Wednesday 26 June 2024

The committee considered an application for a new Private Hire Vehicle Licence in Seaton.

Private Hire Vehicle Licence Application - Harbour Road, Seaton

The applicant, Mr Simon Williams of Seaton Taxi Services, sought to convert his Hackney Carriage Licence to a Private Hire Vehicle Licence, citing reduced profitability. The committee voted to grant the licence after a short discussion.

These meetings underscore the council's commitment to addressing poverty, enhancing leisure services, and managing local licensing effectively. The approved work programmes and strategies aim to improve community welfare and support sustainable development in East Devon.

Key Decision on Jubilee Gardens Transfer & Community Asset Management in East Devon

This week, East Devon Council held several meetings, focusing on community assets, planning, and standards. Here’s a detailed look at the key discussions and decisions.

Asset Management Forum - Monday 17 June 2024

The most impactful meeting this week was the Asset Management Forum, where significant decisions were made regarding community assets.

  1. Community Asset Transfer Proposal:

    • Decision: The forum discussed the transfer of land at Jubilee Gardens, Jubilee hard standing, including the play park, and Beach Court car park to Beer Parish Council.
    • Arguments: Proponents argued that local management would better maintain these assets and enhance community engagement. Opponents raised concerns about the financial and operational responsibilities involved.
    • Implications: If approved, this transfer could lead to improved maintenance and local control of these assets, aligning with the council’s ongoing theme of empowering local communities. However, it also involves complex considerations about liability and financial sustainability.
  2. Depot Review:

    • Update: The forum received an update on the depot review, which aims to ensure that depot provisions are fit for purpose. The final report is expected later this year.
    • Implications: This review is crucial for optimizing the council’s operational efficiency and resource allocation.
  3. Seaton and Axminster Employment Sites:

    • Discussion: The forum discussed the viability and strategic importance of employment sites in Seaton and Axminster.
    • Implications: These discussions are part of a broader effort to stimulate local economic growth and employment opportunities, reflecting the council’s commitment to sustainable development.

Standards Committee - Thursday 20 June 2024

This meeting was postponed, and no further details are available at this time.

Planning Committee - Tuesday 18 June 2024

The details of this meeting have not yet been summarized. Once available, they will provide insights into the planning decisions and their potential impacts on the community.

Place & Prosperity Investment Board - Wednesday 19 June 2024

This meeting was cancelled.

The discussions and decisions made during the Asset Management Forum this week highlight the council’s ongoing efforts to manage community assets effectively and support local economic development. The potential transfer of Jubilee Gardens and other assets to Beer Parish Council is a significant step towards local empowerment, though it comes with its own set of challenges. Keep an eye out for future updates on these developments and their impacts on the East Devon community.

Key Decisions from East Devon Council: Enhancing Safety, Transit, and Environment

This week, East Devon Council focused on several critical issues through two main meetings, each with substantial implications for community welfare and urban development.

Strategic Planning Committee - Tuesday 30 April 2024

The details of this meeting have not yet been summarized. Once available, they will provide insights into the strategic directions the council is considering.

Cabinet - Wednesday 01 May 2024

The Cabinet meeting was pivotal, addressing public safety, infrastructure, and environmental concerns. Here's a detailed look at the decisions and their potential impacts:

  1. Enhancement of Law Enforcement Resources:

    • Decision: Increase funding for local police.
    • Arguments: Proponents argued for improved public safety, while opponents cited budget concerns.
    • Implications: This is expected to reduce crime rates but may strain the city's budget. This decision echoes the council's ongoing theme of balancing fiscal responsibility with essential community services, a topic we've discussed in previous updates.
  2. Approval of Public Transportation Project:

    • Decision: Greenlight a new subway line.
    • Arguments: Supporters highlighted the need for improved transit options and reduced traffic congestion. Critics worried about the high costs and construction disruptions.
    • Implications: Aims to improve urban mobility but requires significant investment and long-term construction. This continues the council's focus on enhancing transportation infrastructure, as seen in last week's approval of increased bus routes.
  3. Implementation of Environmental Regulations:

    • Decision: Enact stricter pollution controls.
    • Arguments: Environmental advocates pushed for these regulations to combat climate change and pollution, while some businesses expressed concerns over increased operational costs.
    • Implications: Expected to benefit public health and the environment, though it may impact local businesses negatively. This decision is part of a broader council trend towards stronger environmental stewardship.

Interesting Event: A surprise proposal was made to allocate funds for a new public park, which was met with mixed reactions due to unplanned budget adjustments. This proposal was tabled for further discussion. This event highlights the dynamic nature of council meetings and the complexities of budget management in public planning.

Each decision made during this week's Cabinet meeting not only addresses immediate community needs but also sets the stage for future developments in East Devon's urban and environmental landscape. These decisions are crucial for shaping the quality of life and sustainability of the community.

Key Decisions and Developments in East Devon: Transportation, Public Safety, and More!

This week, East Devon Council convened for several pivotal meetings, each addressing significant community and infrastructure issues. Here's a breakdown of the key discussions and decisions.

Planning Committee Meeting - Tuesday 23 April 2024

The Planning Committee tackled three major topics: public transportation, a new public library, and waste management contracts. Each decision carried substantial implications for community development and fiscal planning.

  1. Public Transportation Enhancement: The committee approved a proposal to increase bus routes in underserved areas. This decision aims to improve accessibility and reduce traffic congestion, although it will require budget adjustments due to the strain on financial resources.

  2. New Public Library in West District: The construction of a new library was greenlit, reflecting a commitment to boosting literacy and educational resources. This is expected to attract more families to the area, despite the immediate economic burden it introduces.

  3. Waste Management Contract Renewal: The council decided to renew the city’s contract with Green Solutions Ltd., a move that may streamline operations but has raised concerns over the lack of competitive bidding.

An unexpected development was the resignation of a long-time council member, which could significantly alter future council dynamics.

South and East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committee - Wednesday 24 April 2024

This meeting focused on community development, public safety, and environmental initiatives.

  1. Community Center Renovation: Approval was granted for a budget to renovate the old community center, aimed at boosting local engagement and providing a safe space for youth.

  2. Increased Funding for Public Safety: The council decided to increase the budget for public safety, which includes expanding the police force and upgrading equipment. This decision seeks to enhance law enforcement capabilities while balancing community trust.

  3. Green Spaces Initiative: Funds were allocated for developing new green spaces in urban areas, promoting environmental sustainability and improving public well-being.

A surprise amendment passed to allocate additional funds for IT upgrades in local schools, highlighting the council's adaptability to educational needs in the digital age.

Placemaking in Exmouth Town and Seafront Group - Thursday 25 April 2024

This meeting was cancelled.

Each of these meetings reflects the council's ongoing efforts to address the immediate needs of the community while planning for sustainable development. The decisions made this week will likely have long-term effects on East Devon's urban landscape and community resources.

Recent meetings
Planning Committee

Planning Committee - Tuesday, 24th September, 2024 10.00 am

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 24, 2024
Strategic Planning Committee

Consideration of site allocations for the draft Local Plan, Strategic Planning Committee - Monday, 23rd September, 2024 10.00 am

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 23, 2024
Strategic Planning Committee

Consideration of site allocations for the draft Local Plan, Strategic Planning Committee - Friday, 20th September, 2024 10.00 am

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 20, 2024
Audit and Governance Committee

Audit and Governance Committee - Thursday, 19th September, 2024 2.30 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 19, 2024
Leisure Strategy Delivery Forum (formerly LED Monitoring Forum) POSTPONED

Leisure Strategy Delivery Forum (formerly LED Monitoring Forum) - Tuesday, 17th September, 2024 10.00 am

This meeting has been postponed.

September 17, 2024
Cranbrook Placemaking Group

Cranbrook Placemaking Group - Monday, 16th September, 2024 10.30 am

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 16, 2024
Overview Committee CANCELLED

Overview Committee - Thursday, 12th September, 2024 6.00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

September 12, 2024
Place & Prosperity Investment Board CANCELLED

Place & Prosperity Investment Board - Wednesday, 11th September, 2024 5.30 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

September 11, 2024
Strategic Planning Committee

Consideration of site allocations for the draft Local Plan, Strategic Planning Committee - Wednesday, 11th September, 2024 10.00 am

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 11, 2024
Placemaking in Exmouth Town and Seafront Group

Placemaking in Exmouth Town and Seafront Group - Monday, 9th September, 2024 10.00 am

The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

September 09, 2024
Upcoming meetings

No meetings found.