The Devon County Council meeting on 28 May 2026 saw the election of a new Chair and Vice-Chair, Councillor Caroline Leaver and Councillor Syed Jusef respectively, and the appointment of Councillor Julian Brazil as Leader and Councillor Paul Arnott as Deputy Leader. The council also approved the appointment of various committees and their chairs and vice-chairs, including a new Scrutiny Committee focused on local government reorganisation.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing and voting on various notices of motion, with several being referred to Cabinet or specific committees for further consideration. Key decisions included reaffirming the council's commitment to the Fairtrade movement, endorsing increased collaboration on Community Payback projects, and agreeing to address the crisis in community pharmacy access across Devon. The council also resolved to investigate the impact of excessive housing development on Exeter and to safeguard and modernise the Tarka Line railway.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

Councillor Caroline Leaver was elected as the new Chair of Devon County Council, and Councillor Syed Jusef was appointed as Vice-Chair.

Leadership Appointments

Councillor Julian Brazil was confirmed as the Leader of the Council, and Councillor Paul Arnott was appointed as Deputy Leader. Cabinet Members and their remits were also noted, with appointments to hold office until the annual meeting in 2027.

Appointment of Committees

The council approved the appointment of various committees, joint committees, and working parties for the period until the annual meeting in 2027. Notably, a new Scrutiny Committee was established to focus on local government reorganisation, and the size of the Development Management Committee was reduced in preparation for the Planning and Infrastructure Act. Revisions to the Audit Committee's terms of reference were also approved.

Notices of Motion

Several notices of motion were discussed and voted upon:

• Safeguarding Standards and Oversight in Devon's Publicly Funded Services: Following a debate, the council voted to accept the Cabinet's amended motion, which noted that the council meets its statutory safeguarding duties and would continue to apply established assurance checks. The motion to commission an independent review was rejected.
• Renewing Devon's Commitment to the Fairtrade Movement: The council recommended supporting the notice of motion in principle and committing to the non-financial aspects, including procurement standards and communications.
• Community Payback: The council supported the notice of motion, endorsing increased collaboration with HMPPS to identify and progress Community Payback projects, and requesting officers to develop guidance for members and communities on proposing schemes. An update on project uptake will be provided within 12 months.
• Addressing the Crisis in Community Pharmacy Access Across Devon: The council's motion was amended to note ongoing discussions with the Devon Integrated Care Board and Local Pharmaceutical Committee regarding potential legislative levers, contingency measures, and alternative models. Progress will be reported in due course.
• Protection of Residents, the Highway Authority, and the Public Purse in Non-Adopted Developments Following Developer Insolvency (Home Farm): The council resolved to note that officers would continue to implement the highway adoption process lawfully, monitor potential changes to adoption processes, and ask the Development Management Committee to consider a report on the outcomes of future consultations. An amendment was accepted to include the outcome of the recent consultation on leasehold practices.
• Urgent Action to Safeguard and Modernise the Tarka Line: The council resolved to declare the frequent temporary closures of the North Devon Line a strategic economic risk requiring urgent intervention, commit to accelerating a modernisation programme to achieve a half-hourly service, and ask the Leader and senior officers to make the North Devon Line a standing priority in engagements with rail and transport bodies.
• Addressing the Impact of Excessive Housing Development on Exeter's Environment, Infrastructure, and Public Services: This notice of motion was referred to Cabinet for consideration.
• Brexit, Economic Harm and the Single Market: This notice of motion was referred to Cabinet for consideration.
• Airborne Particulate Risk, Public Health, and Planning Controls: This notice of motion was referred to Cabinet for consideration.
• Protecting Devon's Visitor Economy and Rejecting a Tourist Tax: This notice of motion was referred to Cabinet for consideration.
• Divestment Recommendation to the Investment and Pension Fund Committee: This notice of motion was referred to the Investment and Pension Fund Committee for consideration.
• Expanding Bus Lane Access: 2+ & 2 Wheels, to Reduce Congestion and Emissions: This notice of motion was referred to Cabinet for consideration.
• Smarter Use of Traffic Signals to Reduce Emissions and Energy Use: This notice of motion was referred to Cabinet for consideration.

Cabinet Member Reports

Reports were received from Councillor James Buczkowski, Cabinet Member for Finance and Public Value, highlighting the council's strengthened financial position and investment in priority services; Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Transport, detailing progress on active travel, public transport, and environmental initiatives; and Councillor Richard Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Children's Services – Social Services, outlining improvements in children's social care, workforce stability, and the 'Growing Futures' transformation programme.

Audit Committee Annual Report

The council received and endorsed the 2025/26 Audit Annual Report, noting the committee's focus on governance, risk management, and audit oversight, and its commitment to continuous improvement.

Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26

The council received and endorsed the 2025/26 Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report, highlighting its role in supporting effective decision-making, strengthening accountability, and providing democratic assurance throughout the year.

The meeting also included the endorsement of various committee minutes and the noting of public representations.