The Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee met on Friday 9 October 2026 to discuss the impact of the Bluetongue virus on Devon's farming community and to review the progress and challenges of the Broadband Voucher Scheme. The committee also considered adding the future of library delivery to its work programme.

Impact of Bluetongue on the Farming Community

The committee received a detailed report on the devastating impact of the Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 (BTV-3) outbreak on Devon's farming community. Farmers have reported significant stock losses, with animals suffering from lethargy, fever, reduced appetite, and lameness. The intensive treatment required for affected animals has led to substantial veterinary and medication costs, with some farmers facing bills of hundreds of pounds for a single animal.

Vaccination against BTV-3, while an important management option, has been hampered by availability issues and a cost of approximately £2.70 to £3.20 per animal. Fallen stock disposal has also presented a significant challenge, with increased collection volumes and associated costs for farmers. Economically, it is estimated that approximately 75% of Devon's primary agricultural economy may have been exposed to disruption, with potential direct losses ranging from £6 million to £20 million.

Beyond the immediate financial and animal welfare concerns, the outbreak has longer-term consequences for livestock fertility. Evidence from previous outbreaks suggests that high fever associated with infection can temporarily impair fertility, particularly in rams. This coincides with the autumn breeding period, leading to uncertainty about lambing performance and potential reductions in farm income. The outbreak has compounded existing pressures on the farming sector, including prolonged dry conditions, reduced grass availability, and rising costs for grain, fuel, and fertiliser.

Trading Standards officers have observed increasing levels of financial stress, anxiety, and isolation among farmers. While the service continues to provide advice and support, existing resources limit its capacity for proactive wellbeing engagement. The committee noted that there is no government compensation available for animals affected by bluetongue, and farmers are expected to bear all costs, including vaccination, veterinary care, and disposal.

The committee discussed the significant economic, animal welfare, and wellbeing impacts of the BTV-3 outbreak on Devon's farming community. The committee also considered the limitations on the Council's ability to provide enhanced support to affected farmers within existing resources. The committee noted the need to seek effective support for rural businesses and farmers to secure broadband connectivity. The committee discussed contacting the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) about the need to simplify processes, policies, and procedures. The committee recommended to Cabinet an urgent item regarding a support and wellbeing programme for farmers, estimated to be in the region of £60,000. The committee also recommended exploring the possibility of a rent holiday or pause for tenants on the council farm estate to provide breathing space and ensuring the Rural Supported Wellbeing Programme is adequately resourced to cope with the additional work created by the outbreak. The committee also recommended that Cabinet meet with Devon MPs to pursue financial support and compensation for farmers through parliamentary procedures.

Broadband Voucher Scheme Task Group Report

The committee reviewed the report of the Broadband Voucher Scheme Task Group, which highlighted several barriers to uptake and delivery. A significant issue identified was the lack of awareness and understanding among residents about the benefits of gigabit-capable broadband and the opportunities available through the Project Gigabit Voucher Scheme. Terminology used, such as gigabit-capable broadband, was found to be not easily understandable, and there was a lack of clarity on the benefits beyond just higher speeds.

Parish Councils were identified as playing a key role in supporting the delivery of the scheme, acting as intermediaries between suppliers and communities. However, the timely publication of a Councillor Engagement Toolkit was crucial for effective engagement, and this was not achieved in time for the voucher scheme deadline.

Practical barriers to uptake and delivery included the tight deadline for scheme delivery (March 2028), supplier capacity constraints, and the potential for de-prioritisation of complex builds. The administration of Airband, a major supplier, created further uncertainty, with a significant number of premises potentially not being delivered. New supplier NIO Net also faced delays in becoming an approved supplier. Consumer-side barriers included cost, contractual commitments, and reluctance to switch providers.

The Task Group discussed promoting the Broadband Voucher Scheme through clear and accessible communications. The Task Group discussed publishing and actively promoting guidance for Councillors on broadband infrastructure delivery, using feedback from town and parish councils. The Task Group discussed capturing lessons learned to inform future broadband initiatives and pressing Government and BDUK for continued investment. The Task Group discussed working with suppliers, BDUK, and local communities to resolve barriers to delivery. The Task Group noted the plan to receive a follow-up report on the outcomes of the Broadband Voucher Scheme in March 2027.

The committee also discussed the potential for extending the fixed delivery deadline of 2028, with a recommendation to urge Building Digital UK to approve as many vouchers as possible, highlighting the high level of need in Devon.

Future Library Delivery

Councillor Sara Wilson requested that the committee consider adding the future of library delivery to its work programme, citing concerns about the potential impact of the Libraries Unlimited staffing consultation, particularly the proposal to reduce the number of library supervisors. Councillor Jess Bailey also spoke on this matter, expressing concern about the removal of the library supervisor role and questioning the order of the restructuring process.

The committee agreed to add this item to its work programme for further consideration.

Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme and noted that the item on future library delivery would be added. Other upcoming items include a masterclass on utilities and third parties on the highway, and discussions on the Highways Term Maintenance Contract. Members were encouraged to get involved in the scrutiny of the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Committee, as it was noted to be lighter than other scrutiny committees. Suggestions for future topics included the price of heating oil and its disproportionate impact on rural communities, a review of the wood and linen tree strategy, and the implications of the copper-to-fibre switch-off for vulnerable customers.