This meeting was scheduled to include a presentation of the work of the Citizens Advice for Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon. Councillors were also scheduled to receive a presentation on the work of the One Northern Devon partnership on tackling health inequalities, and to be given an update on the Devon Water Summit, which was scheduled for the same day. The remainder of the meeting was scheduled to focus on feedback on the council's previous special interest meetings.

Special Interest Meetings

The Policy Development committee has held several special interest meetings. These are meetings that focus on a single topic of strategic importance to North Devon. This meeting was scheduled to include updates from some of these meetings.

Water Quality

This was an update on the special meeting held on 29 February 2024 to discuss water quality within the North Devon area. Councillors were scheduled to be updated on the outcomes of the Devon Water Summit, which was due to be held earlier on the same day. The summit was being organised by East Devon District Council in response to what the agenda describes as particular problems with sewage discharge at Exmouth.

Agriculture within the North Devon Area

This was an update on the special meeting held on 23rd May 2024. Councillor Bulled, the Lead Member for Agriculture, was scheduled to report on progress in establishing an Agricultural Working Group following a farm visit that had taken place in September.

Dental Provision within the North Devon Area

This was an update on the special meeting held on 18th July 2024. Councillor Patrinos was scheduled to tell the meeting that he had been invited to attend a Dental Task Group set up by Ian Roome MP, the Member of Parliament for North Devon. The meeting was scheduled to be told that this item would be removed from the committee's work programme.

Scoping Paper - Health Inequalities and GP Surgeries

This was an update on progress on a draft scoping paper on health inequalities and GP Surgeries. The meeting was scheduled to hear from the Chief Executive that One Northern Devon was already working on the wider issue of health inequalities. One Northern Devon is a partnership between several public sector organisations with responsibility for public health in North Devon. The meeting was scheduled to be asked to approve a presentation on the topic at its next meeting.

Work Programme

The meeting was scheduled to consider its draft work programme for 2024/25. Amongst the items already scheduled were presentations about Citizens Advice, and the work of One Northern Devon, and an update on the Devon Water Summit. The meeting was scheduled to be asked to schedule a special meeting to discuss transport and infrastructure in March 2025. The meeting was also scheduled to be presented with a list of potential items for future consideration.