The Cabinet meeting on 14 October 2026 addressed several key issues, including the impact of Bluetongue on the farming community, investment in highway resilience, and the future of the County Farms Estate. Decisions were made to support farmers, enhance road infrastructure, and approve a vision for the county's farms.

Impact of Bluetongue on the Farming Community and Reinstatement of Rural Support and Wellbeing Programme

The Cabinet noted the significant economic, animal welfare, and wellbeing impacts of the 2026 Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 (BTV-3) outbreak on Devon's farming community. A three-year Rural Support and Wellbeing Programme was approved, with an expenditure of up to £180,000 over three years, subject to funding confirmation. Delegated authority was given to the Director of Public Health and Communities, in consultation with other directors and cabinet members, to finalise and implement the programme. The programme will include clear outcomes and performance measures, with progress reported after 12 months and at its conclusion. The council will continue to work with government and other partners on a long-term strategy for Bluetongue, including exploring vaccination schemes, surveillance, and communication.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband, shared her personal experience as a farmer, highlighting the severe animal welfare impacts, high mortality rates, and the emotional and financial toll on farmers. She emphasised the lack of support from central government and the need for a long-term strategy. Councillor Sue Davies, Chair of the Farms Estate Committee, stressed the importance of the proposed programme in showing that Devon is paying attention to the crisis and supporting farmers. Councillor Simon Clist, Cabinet Member for Assets and Resources, also a farmer, spoke passionately about the farming community feeling let down and abandoned, and the staggering suicide rate within the agricultural industry.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Jess Bailey regarding the urgent nature of the item and the lack of prior notice, although constitutional procedures were confirmed to have been followed. Councillor Bailey also drew a distinction between the support for farmers and the perceived lack of support for libraries, a point strongly refuted by Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of the Council, who stated that no cuts were being made to library services and that additional funding had been provided.

Investment into Highways Resilience

An additional £4.5 million was approved for the 2026/27 highway maintenance programme to enhance the resilience of key diversion routes and expand the capacity of the Council's Rapid Response Team trial. This includes a £4 million increase to the capital programme, funded from borrowing, and £500,000 for highway maintenance revenue works, funded from the council's outturn position, subject to final year-end financial results.

Councillor Dan Thomas, Cabinet Member for Highways, explained that the capital investment would be directed towards three key diversion routes: the Widden Down to Crockenwell Road, the C28 Stockland Hill, and the B3181 at Budlake. These routes were identified based on their strategic importance as diversion routes and the condition of the assets. The additional revenue funding will bolster the Rapid Response Team and create new teams to address drainage and blocked culverts, aiming to prevent potholes. Councillor Thomas highlighted that this investment was on top of existing business-as-usual highway maintenance.

Councillor Jess Bailey again raised concerns about the item being treated as urgent, but Councillor Brazil explained that the need to engage contractors quickly to ensure availability before winter was a compelling reason. Councillor Gerald, attending as a member, welcomed the investment in rapid response teams, noting their positive reception in Torridge.

Devon County Council Integrated Adult Social Care Draft Improvement Plan

The Cabinet noted the progress made in key areas of Integrated Adult Social Care since the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, which rated the service as 'Requires Improvement'. The report outlines the council's existing improvement priorities, which will be submitted to the Department of Health and Social Care. Assurance of improvement progress will be reported through the Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Richard Keeling, Cabinet Member for Adults Services, highlighted the council's strengths in person-centred practice, partnership working, and governance, while acknowledging areas requiring accelerated improvement, such as the timeliness of Care Act assessments and reviews, safeguarding, and support for unpaid carers. Councillor Tandra Forster, Director of Integrated Adult Social Care, thanked staff for their hard work and confirmed that the improvement plan would be submitted to the Department of Health and Social Care, with quarterly progress reports to be shared with the Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Jess Bailey, while thanking Councillor Keeling and Councillor Forster for their engagement with the scrutiny committee, expressed her disappointment that the council narrowly missed a 'Good' rating.

Farms Estate Asset

The Cabinet approved the Vision for the future of the County Farms Estate, endorsing its importance in supporting food production, successful farming businesses, new entrants, rural prosperity, and environmental enhancement. A review and refresh of the County Farms Estate Strategy for consideration in December 2026 was also agreed.

Councillor Simon Clist, Cabinet Member for Assets and Resources, described the estate as a strategic asset and a county treasure, emphasising its role in supporting food security, new entrants to farming, and delivering multiple outcomes beyond traditional agriculture. He reassured members that animal welfare and assurances were a priority for tenants. Councillor Jackie Hodgson, Leader of the Green and Independent Group and Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, welcomed the report, highlighting the educational elements and the positive role the estate could play in supporting young people. Councillor Dan Thomas, Cabinet Member for Highways, requested that the refreshed strategy include clear timescales for its ambitions.

Public Health Annual Report 2025/2026

The Cabinet noted the recommendations from the Public Health Annual Report, which focuses on young people in Devon. A report will be brought to Cabinet in December 2026 with a timeline and action plan for the implementation of the Devon 'Youth Matters' Strategic Plan.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband, highlighted the report's focus on young people's experiences, challenges, and aspirations, including concerns about housing, transport, and mental wellbeing. She specifically mentioned the strong sentiment from young people opposing the use of Devon's land for data centres. Councillor Jackie Hodgson, Leader of the Green and Independent Group and Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, echoed the importance of the report and the need for clear actions. Councillor Dan Thomas, Cabinet Member for Highways, emphasised the need for integrated transport solutions to enable young people to access opportunities. Councillor Denise Bickley, Cabinet Member for Children's Services - SEND, spoke about the importance of early intervention and joined-up working.

Councillor Donna Thomas raised the issue of transport for young people, noting that some parts of the country offer free travel, which is not available in Devon. She advocated for a timeline to be included in the action plan. Director of Public Health, Steve Brown, confirmed that a Youth Matters strategic plan would be brought back to Cabinet before Christmas with timelines. The Cabinet agreed to an amendment to bring back a report in December with a timeline for the youth strategy.

The meeting also included minutes for noting from the Farms Estate Committee and a discussion on the SEND reform plan.