Mid Devon Council's cabinet met on 2 September 2025, and among the decisions made, they approved a contract for air source heat pump upgrades, noted the Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension Area B Masterplan, and approved revisions to the Freedom of Information, Environmental Information Regulations, and Data Protection policies. The cabinet also noted updates to the Medium Term Financial Plan.

Here's a breakdown of the key discussion points:

Medium Term Financial Plan

The cabinet reviewed the updated Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for the general fund, covering the years 2026/27 to 2028/29. Councillor John Downes, Cabinet Member for Governance, Finance and Risk, explained that the report differed from previous years due to expected changes from 2026/27 and long-term restrictions from local government reorganisation. The report highlighted uncertainty regarding funding from 2026/27 onwards, estimating a potential shortfall.

The Deputy Chief Executive (S151) Officer, Andrew Jarrett, noted that the council would be targeted for significant funding reductions due to its business rate growth and reserve levels. He also mentioned planned government changes to council tax collection methods and business rates.

The cabinet agreed to apply the principles in Section 4 of the MTFP and the approach to balancing the general fund revenue budget. They also agreed to seek recommendations from the Policy Development Groups on budget proposals.

Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulations Policy

The cabinet approved the revised Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) Policy, aimed at ensuring compliance with legislation and regulations. Councillor David Wulff, Cabinet Member for Quality of Living, Equalities and Public Health, stated that the revised policy provided clear guidance for officers and members and was based on best practice. He noted that disclosure was the default position, with information only withheld where a legal exemption or exception applied.

The policy includes updates to reflect changes in legislation, clarification of the Senior Information Officer review process, and details on handling enforcement, disclosure, and refusals under the Re-Use of Public Sector Regulations.

The cabinet delegated authority to the Head of Digital Transformation & Customer Engagement to ensure the policy remains current and reflects any changes in legislative or regulatory guidance.

During public question time, Barry Warren raised concerns about delays and other issues related to the council's handling of FOI requests, referencing criticism from the Information Commissioner. He questioned whether the revised policy sufficiently addresses these issues. Paul Elstone also criticised the council's FOI system, citing an example where he experienced delays and conflicting responses.

Data Protection Policy

The cabinet approved the revised Data Protection Policy to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018, the General Data Protection Regulations, and the impact of the new Data Use and Access Act 2025 (DUAA). Councillor David Wulff, Cabinet Member for Quality of Living, Equalities and Public Health, explained that the DUAA introduces phased changes designed to promote innovation and economic growth.

The revised policy includes changes related to Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) and the powers of the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Data Subject Access Requests must now be handled on the basis of reasonable and proportionate searches, and a new stop-the-clock mechanism will apply where clarification is needed. The ICO has stronger powers, including interview notices, compulsory document requests, and penalties for non-cooperation.

The cabinet delegated authority to the Head of Digital Transformation & Customer Engagement to ensure the policy remains current and reflects any legislative changes or regulatory guidance.

Air Source Heat Pump Upgrades Contract

The cabinet awarded the contract for upgrading air source heat pump (ASHP) systems in Housing Revenue Account (HRA) properties to PH Jones Ltd. Councillor Jane Lock, Cabinet Member for Housing, Assets and Property Services, said that the contract would run from 2025 to 2028, with an option to extend to 2029.

The contract was secured through a direct framework award under the approved Public Sector Housing Purchasing Consortium (PFH). The Housing Revenue Accounts (HRA) budget for the works was £300,000.00 per annum.

Tiverton EUE Area B Masterplan

The cabinet noted the Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension (EUE) Area B Masterplan. Councillor Steve Keable, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration, explained that the masterplan was the final part of the Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension that needed master planning.

The masterplan is based around a series of design principles that seek to create a new garden neighbourhood with a character and appearance inspired by the defining characteristics of Tiverton and the immediate surroundings.

The cabinet delegated authority to the Director of Place & Economy to make any typographical, grammatical and formatting changes to the masterplan prior to publication.