This week in Devon:

Council Assets to Host 5G Infrastructure, Protecting North Devon's Coastline, and Planning for Next Year

Devon County Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, making decisions that will impact digital connectivity, environmental conservation, and the council's operational planning for the coming year. The most significant decision was the approval of a new policy to facilitate the installation of 5G mobile infrastructure on council-owned land and buildings.

Boosting 5G Coverage Across Devon

The Cabinet approved a new policy designed to make it easier for mobile network operators to install small cell 5G equipment on council assets. This move is intended to significantly improve 5G coverage across Devon, with a particular focus on rural areas that often lag behind in digital connectivity. Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband, welcomed the decision, highlighting its potential to encourage commercial investment and bridge the digital divide. This policy aligns with the council's strategic goals of supporting economic inclusion and local prosperity through better digital infrastructure. The authority to finalise the policy and enter into agreements was delegated to relevant Directors.

North Devon Coast National Landscape Management Plan Adopted

A crucial step in protecting Devon's natural beauty was taken with the adoption of the new five-year Management Plan for the North Devon Coast National Landscape. This plan, covering 2025-2030, sets out a shared vision and actionable steps to conserve and enhance this cherished area. It addresses key themes of Nature, People, and Place, with a strong emphasis on tackling the climate emergency and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Bio-diversity, noted the plan's alignment with the council's strategic priorities for a greener Devon. The adoption of this plan is a statutory requirement, reinforcing the council's commitment to preserving the natural beauty of national landscapes for future generations.

Annual Delivery Plan for 2026/27 Approved

The Cabinet also approved the Annual Delivery Plan for 2026/27. This plan acts as a roadmap for how the council will achieve its goals outlined in the Strategic Plan 2025-2029. A significant focus for the upcoming year will be preparing for the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), ensuring that services continue to run smoothly and legally during the transition to a single unitary council. Councillor James Buczkowski, Cabinet Member for Finance, confirmed that the plan has been developed within existing resources, with any additional costs related to LGR to be reported separately.

Updated Inclusion and Learning Policies for Schools

A suite of updated Inclusion and Learning Policies was approved, aiming to create a more supportive and effective education system for all children in Devon. These policies cover:

• Alternative Provision (AP): Clarifying its use for time-limited interventions.
• Attendance: Promoting excellent attendance with a support-first approach.
• Children Missing Education (CME): Treating this as a potential safeguarding concern.
• Elective Home Education (EHE): Ensuring children receiving education at home are suitably educated and safeguarded.
• Permanent Exclusion: Emphasising it as a last resort.
• Section 19 Policy: Detailing how education will be arranged for children unable to attend school due to illness or other circumstances.

Councillors Denise Bickley and Julian Brazil, Cabinet Members for Children's Services, welcomed these policies, noting their importance in fulfilling statutory duties and improving outcomes, particularly for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Notices of Motion Considered

Several Notices of Motion were discussed, with recommendations made to the full Council:

• Housing Development Impact: The Cabinet recommended noting the statutory requirements for assessing cumulative impacts of housing development and engaging with authorities to ensure growth is matched by infrastructure investment.
• Brexit and Economic Harm: The Cabinet recommended acknowledging the economic impacts of Brexit and agreeing that the Leader of the Council should write to relevant ministers and MPs to express concerns about trading relationships with European markets.
• Airborne Particulate Risk: The Cabinet recommended noting that existing planning and regulatory frameworks adequately address the impacts of dust on human health.
• Protecting Devon's Visitor Economy: The Cabinet recommended reaffirming support for Devon's visitor economy and noting the council's lack of power to introduce a visitor levy.
• Divestment Recommendation: This motion was noted as having already been considered by the Investment and Pension Fund Committee.
• Expanding Bus Lane Access: The Cabinet recommended advocating for behaviour change activity funding and noting the commencement of a feasibility assessment for motorcycles in bus lanes.
• Smarter Use of Traffic Signals: The Cabinet recommended noting that traffic signal assets are modern and national legislation governs their operation, with changes requiring significant investment.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Cabinet meeting summary.

Pension Board Elects New Leadership and Reviews Fund Performance

The Devon Pension Board met on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, to elect its Chair and Vice-Chair and to review the performance and risk management of the Devon Pension Fund.

New Leadership for the Pension Board

Councillor Andy Bowman was elected as the new Chair of the Devon Pension Board, with Councillor Steve Keable elected as Vice-Chair.

Employer Performance and Risk Register Reviewed

The Board received an update on employer performance, noting improvements in the timeliness of contributions and data submissions. While a small number of employers were fined for late data submissions, the overall performance was considered good. The Board also reviewed the Devon Pension Fund Risk Register, noting that the transition from Brunel to LPPI had led to the removal of a transitional risk. Two high risks remain: Investments – External Market Risks and Cyber Security. Discussions focused on ensuring the effectiveness of mitigation measures, particularly concerning cyber attack risks and the oversight of third-party providers.

Administration and LGPS Updates

Gareth Shackler from Peninsula Pensions presented a positive update on administration performance, highlighting a 95% overall performance rate and a significant reduction in outstanding workflow. The McCloud remedy work was progressing well, with a deadline of 31 August 2026 for payments to pensioners. An update on the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) covered new government requirements under the 'Fit for the Future' changes, including restrictions on salary sacrifice contributions and the impact of a revised SCAPE discount rate.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Devon Pension Board meeting summary.

Dryden Road Traffic Order Approved, Parking Schemes Deferred in Exeter

The Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) met on Monday, 13 July 2026, to discuss traffic management proposals in the city. The committee approved the advertisement of a traffic regulation order for Dryden Road, which includes extending a 20mph zone and revoking a prohibition of motor vehicles. However, decisions on residents' parking schemes in the Woodwater Lane area and the prioritisation of future parking schemes were deferred.

Dryden Road Traffic Regulation Order Approved

The committee approved the advertisement of a traffic regulation order for Dryden Road. This order will revoke the existing prohibition of motor vehicles and extend the 20mph zone. The public consultation revealed a strong preference for options that reintroduce two-way vehicle movement while incorporating cycle facilities. Concerns about cycle safety and overall cost were noted. The estimated cost for the preferred option is between £500,000 and £650,000, which may require approval from the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority. A new pedestrian crossing on Church Lane was also proposed to improve access between the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and St Michael and All Angels Church.

Exeter Residents Parking Schemes Deferred

Consideration of residents' parking proposals for the Woodwater Lane area was deferred. Following consultation, it was recommended that these proposals not be progressed, with a suggestion that the area not be reconsidered for residents' parking for at least five years. The prioritisation of future residents' parking schemes across Exeter was also deferred, with officers noting resource limitations and the need to manage resident expectations.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee meeting summary.

Standards Committee Addresses Member Safety and Ombudsman Complaints

The Standards Committee met on Thursday, 16 July 2026, to discuss critical issues concerning the safety and conduct of councillors, as well as the outcomes of complaints investigated by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Member Safety and Wellbeing Under Review

An audit by the Devon Audit Partnership highlighted that councillors are experiencing increased levels of abuse, intimidation, and harassment through various channels, including social media and public meetings. The committee was updated on actions being taken, including engagement with the police regarding enhanced security and consideration of a personal alarm app for members. The Local Government Association's (LGA) new guidance on elected members' use of social media was also discussed, with options for its adoption being explored. Councillor Robin Julian shared a concerning case of a councillor facing significant abuse, underscoring the urgent need for robust support mechanisms. The committee agreed to note the audit's outcomes and welcome the ongoing work to support member safety and wellbeing.

Ombudsman Complaints and Service Improvements

The committee received a report on Ombudsman outcomes concerning Devon County Council for the year April 2025 to March 2026. While the council's upheld complaint rate was below the average for similar authorities, the number of upheld complaints per 100,000 residents was slightly higher. A key area for improvement identified was the timely implementation of satisfactory remedies, with only 4% of upheld complaints having remedies implemented before reaching the Ombudsman. Financial remedies, totalling just under £58,000, were mostly related to Special Educational Needs (SEN) complaints. The council's compliance with deadlines for responding to the Ombudsman also requires improvement, with information provided on time in only 72% of cases. The committee noted the report and requested directors to continue monitoring service improvements.

National Updates on Standards in Public Life

The committee received an update on national developments in standards for local government, including the increasing role of the Ethics and Integrity Commission. Common themes in recent high-profile standards cases from other authorities, such as conduct bringing the office of councillor into disrepute and bullying and harassment, were highlighted. The committee noted the report, which will be shared council-wide.

Local Determination of Complaints

An update on complaints received under the Members' Code of Conduct indicated an increase compared to the previous year, with recurring themes including social media activity and comments made during meetings. The committee noted the report, which detailed the source, nature of allegations, outcomes, and current actions for each complaint.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Standards Committee meeting summary.

Devon Assurance Partnership Reviews Financial Performance and Elects New Leadership

The Devon Assurance Partnership Committee met on Friday, 17 July 2026, to review its financial performance for the 2025/26 financial year and to elect its new Chair and Vice-Chair.

Balanced Budget and Small Surplus Achieved

The committee reviewed the financial outturn for the Devon Assurance Partnership (DAP) for 2025/26, which showed a balanced budget with a small surplus of £31,517. This surplus was higher than anticipated due to additional external work undertaken in the fourth quarter. The partnership managed in-year pressures, such as the pay award, by focusing on internal recruitment and not replacing all departing staff like-for-like. The Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26 confirmed the committee's responsibility for ensuring a sound system of internal control.

Performance and Staffing Updates

The committee also received an update on DAP's performance in delivering services to its partners. The partnership remained flexible and responsive, focusing on increasing cross-partner added value. The workforce was noted as stable, with new staff joining and a focus on delivering agreed work for 2026/27 alongside support for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Customer satisfaction remained high at 97%.

New Chair and Vice-Chair Elected

The committee elected Councillor Matt Steele as its new Chair and Councillor Alan Connett as its new Vice-Chair.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Devon Assurance Partnership Committee meeting summary.

This week in Devon:

Public Rights of Way: New Routes Approved in Tiverton and Petrockstowe

The Public Rights of Way Committee met on Monday, 6 July 2026, to consider proposals for new public rights of way. The committee resolved to make modification orders for two routes, one in the Parish of Tiverton and another in the Parish of Petrockstowe. These decisions will formally recognise and protect public access to these routes, ensuring they remain available for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Tiverton: Adding a Restricted Byway to Withleigh Lane

The committee resolved to add a Restricted Byway along Withleigh Lane in the Parish of Tiverton. This decision follows an examination of historical maps and documents, some dating back to 1809, which indicated the lane's existence and public use. While recent user evidence was limited, no landowners objected to the proposal. The officer's report concluded that common law evidence was sufficient to allege that a restricted byway subsists. This means the route can be used by walkers, horse riders, and cyclists, but not by motor vehicles.

Petrockstowe: New Routes for Public Access

In the Parish of Petrockstowe, a Modification Order was approved to add a restricted byway along New Road and a footpath along American Lane. This decision was based on extensive documentary and user evidence. Historical maps showed the routes, and evidence from 31 members of the public detailed continuous use for walking, horse riding, cycling, and by vehicle from the 1960s to 2021. Despite some landowners arguing for private status, the committee found sufficient evidence of public use to justify the modification orders. New Road will be recorded as a restricted byway, and American Lane as a footpath. This decision ensures that these routes remain accessible for recreational use, benefiting the local community and visitors.

The committee also noted several other reports concerning public path diversions, modification orders, and decisions from public inquiries.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Public Rights of Way Committee meeting summary.

South Hams Highways: Traffic Calming and Speed Issues on the Agenda

The South Hams Highways and Traffic Orders Committee met on Friday, 10 July 2026, to discuss traffic calming measures and speed issues in the South Hams district. The committee received updates on actions taken under delegated powers, including the implementation of new speed limits and waiting restrictions in several areas.

Traffic Calming and Speeding Concerns

The committee was scheduled to receive updates on traffic calming measures, including a pedestrian crossing for bus stops on Bridgetown Hill, Totnes. They were also to be updated on speed issues on the B3213 near David's Lane.

Actions Taken Under Delegated Powers

A report detailed actions taken under delegated powers since the previous meeting. These included:

• Ugborough: A 20mph speed limit was implemented on various streets after objections were resolved.
• Ivybridge: No Waiting At Any Time restrictions were introduced on Cornwood Road and Westover Lane, along with a road hump on Westover Lane. Objections were resolved, and the orders were implemented.
• Ivybridge: A limited waiting bay on Erme Road was reduced to allow for a new vehicle crossing, following the resolution of objections.

These actions demonstrate the council's ongoing efforts to manage local traffic and improve road safety, often through detailed consultation and the resolution of community concerns.

You can find more details about these discussions in the South Hams Highways and Traffic Orders Committee meeting summary.

This week in Devon:

Local Roads and Parking Restrictions: Balancing Safety and Access in West Devon

The West Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee met on Monday, 29 June 2026, to tackle local traffic issues, with a particular focus on waiting restrictions. The committee made decisions that will directly impact residents and businesses, aiming to improve safety while considering the needs of local commerce and accessibility.

Bridge Street, Hatherleigh: A Compromise on Bus Bay Access

A key decision involved the bus-only bay on Bridge Street, Hatherleigh. The original proposal was to make it a Buses Only At Any Time bay to enhance safety for schoolchildren. However, this faced strong opposition from Pyles auction house, a local business. They argued that such restrictions would prevent essential loading and parking, potentially forcing them to relocate. They proposed alternative solutions, like different bus stopping points and staggered school pick-up times, to ease congestion.

While some residents supported the stricter restrictions due to concerns about large vehicles posing a hazard to pedestrians, especially children, the committee opted for a compromise. They resolved to relax the operating times of the bus bay to Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. This change allows the bay to be used outside of school hours, aiming to balance the safety of schoolchildren with the operational needs of local businesses. This decision demonstrates how the council navigates competing interests, seeking solutions that minimise negative impacts on different community groups.

The Nook, Laburnum Cottages, The Lawn, Tavistock: Parking Concerns for Residents

In Tavistock, the committee considered proposals for No Waiting At Any Time restrictions at The Nook, Laburnum Cottages, and The Lawn. The aim was to tackle obstructive parking and improve access for emergency vehicles. Supporters of the restrictions cited instances where ambulances struggled to reach properties, parking prevented residents from leaving their homes, and difficult manoeuvres caused damage to walls and gardens.

However, the proposals met with overwhelming opposition from residents. Out of 86 respondents, 81 were against the restrictions. Concerns were raised about the impact on residents' ability to park near their homes, particularly for those with mobility issues, frequent hospital visits, or on-call work. Many argued that the parking was already used by residents and that the restrictions would unfairly penalise them, potentially affecting their independence and even their ability to remain in their homes. There were also fears that parking would be displaced onto already congested neighbouring streets.

Ultimately, the committee resolved not to progress these restrictions. This decision acknowledges the significant opposition and the potential negative impact on residents, especially the elderly and those with mobility challenges. It highlights the council's responsibility to consider the lived experiences of residents when implementing traffic orders.

Other Highways and Traffic Matters

The committee also noted actions taken under delegated powers. This included the implementation of a traffic order for an extension to the 30mph speed limit on Brook Lane, Tavistock, as no objections were received. Price increases for pay and display parking in various off-street car parks for the Dartmoor National Park Authority were also noted. Additionally, a traffic order for bus stop upgrades at Moorland Villas, Yelverton was implemented after objections were resolved.

You can find more details about these discussions in the West Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee meeting summary.

Health and Wellbeing Board: Addressing Housing's Impact on Health and Integrating Care

The Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to meet on Thursday, 2 July 2026, to discuss critical issues linking housing and health, and to review progress on integrating health and social care services. While the full outcomes are pending publication, the agenda highlights the council's commitment to a holistic approach to public health.

Housing as a Foundation for Health

A significant item was the discussion of the Devon Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, with a specific focus on housing. A report was set to explore the profound connection between housing conditions and the health and wellbeing of Devon residents. The proposed approach prioritises areas and communities most vulnerable due to their housing situations. This strategy aims to use existing data and local knowledge to identify practical actions that can improve health outcomes and build resilience. The report underscored the fundamental truth that An affordable, stable, healthy home is an important building block of our health, which in turn helps connect people to work, services and their community. This focus on housing as a determinant of health is crucial for supporting vulnerable populations, including those on low incomes, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions.

Better Care Fund: Integrating Health and Social Care

The Board was also scheduled to review the Better Care Fund (BCF) for 2025-26 and plan for 2026-27. The BCF is a national initiative designed to merge health and social care services, aiming for more seamless and effective support for residents. The end-of-year report for 2025-26 was expected to show progress in areas like reducing emergency admissions for those aged 65 and over. However, challenges were noted, including the Community Equipment Service budget not keeping pace with demand and workforce capacity issues affecting hospital discharge.

The 2026-27 plan focuses on shifting care from hospitals to communities and from treating illness to preventing it, with an emphasis on Home First principles. This integration is vital for ensuring that individuals, particularly older people and those with complex needs, receive the right care in the right place, reducing hospital stays and improving quality of life.

Other Agenda Items

The Board was also scheduled to receive an update from NHS Devon, review the Council's Scrutiny Work Programme, and discuss its Forward Plan.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting summary.

School Transport Appeals: Private Hearings for Sensitive Matters

The School Transport Appeals Committee met on Monday, 29 June 2026. The committee's primary role is to hear appeals from parents and guardians regarding school transport provisions.

The agenda indicated that the committee would consider several appeals, including those for Exeter - Dawlish CC, Chawleigh - Duchy College, and Barnstaple - The Park School. However, the proceedings for these appeals were scheduled to take place in private, under Part II of the meeting. This exclusion of the press and public is permitted under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 when exempt information, such as individuals' financial affairs, is likely to be disclosed. This ensures the privacy of individuals while allowing the committee to make informed decisions on sensitive personal circumstances.

You can find more details about these discussions in the School Transport Appeals Committee meeting summary.

This week in Devon:

Adult Social Care Faces Scrutiny Over Financial Services and Complaints

The Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 22 June 2026, to examine the effectiveness of adult social care services, with a particular focus on financial management and customer feedback. The committee reviewed an update on Client Financial Services, which revealed a significant reduction in the waiting list for financial assessments, down from 3,144 to 1,098 individuals. This is a positive step, aiming to ensure more people receive timely assessments for their care needs. However, this increased volume has also led to a rise in recorded debt, now standing at £65.8 million as of March 31. The council is working on improving staffing, working practices, and performance monitoring to manage this debt effectively.

The committee also considered the Compliments and Complaints Annual Report for Integrated Adult Social Care (IASC). While many compliments highlighted person-centred care, a concerning 49% of the 206 complaints investigated were upheld or partially upheld. Recurring issues included delays in assessments and reviews, communication breakdowns, problems with financial information and charging, and concerns about the quality and safety of care. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) upheld 6 out of 21 investigated cases. These findings underscore the need for continuous improvement to ensure vulnerable adults receive the consistent, high-quality care they deserve.

The committee also received updates on NHS dental services in Devon, highlighting national contract reforms aimed at making NHS dentistry more sustainable. However, significant financial pressures were reported for NHS Devon and the Royal Devon University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (RDUH), with a deficit of £64.3 million for the 2025/26 financial year. This deficit raises concerns about the future funding and capacity of essential health services for residents.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee meeting summary.

Pension Fund Navigates Investment Performance and Divestment Debate

The Investment and Pension Fund Committee met on Friday, 26 June 2026, to review the performance of the Devon Pension Fund and discuss its investment strategy. The fund's value stood at £6,727.7 million as of March 31, 2026, with an annual investment return of 9.9%. While returns were slightly behind benchmark, they outperformed the average for Local Government Pension Schemes (LGPS) over three and five-year periods.

A notable discussion point was a Notice of Motion regarding divestment from companies based in countries judged guilty of genocide by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The report provided a briefing on the ICJ's cases and noted that the Devon Pension Fund has limited exposure to companies in such countries. However, a survey of pension fund members indicated strong negative sentiment towards investments in companies violating international criminal law. Any divestment decision would require agreement with the investment pool manager, LPPI, and potentially other partner funds. The report also referenced a letter from the Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness, stating that decisions on boycotts, divestment, and sanctions are matters of UK foreign policy.

The committee also reviewed the Fund's progress against its climate change policy targets, aiming for net-zero by 2050. The Weighted Average Carbon Intensity (WACI) of investments has seen a 65.5% reduction from the March 2019 baseline, and the target of investing 5% in renewable energy infrastructure by 2025 has been met. Updates on investment pooling with LPPI and Peninsula Pensions' administration performance were also discussed, highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure efficient and effective management of the fund for its beneficiaries.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Investment and Pension Fund Committee meeting summary.

Local Roads and Parking Restrictions Under Review in Torridge

The Torridge Highways and Traffic Orders Committee met on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, to address local traffic management and waiting restrictions. The committee considered proposals from the Local Waiting Restrictions Programme, which included plans for new or amended restrictions in areas such as Broad Street, Black Torrington; Avon Lane, Westward Ho!; Torridge Road, Appledore; The Links, Richmond Park, Westward Ho!; and The Square, Holsworthy. These measures are designed to prevent obstructive parking, improve visibility, and facilitate traffic flow, supporting the council's Strategic Plan by improving access and promoting sustainable travel.

However, several proposed restrictions faced objections, including those in Appledore, Hartland, and Westward Ho!, which will be considered in a future report. The committee also reviewed actions taken under delegated powers, including the introduction of 20mph speed limits in various streets in Dolton, Bridgerule, and Black Torrington, and No Waiting At Any Time restrictions in Hatchmoor Common Lane, Great Torrington. These decisions aim to enhance road safety and manage traffic effectively within the Torridge district.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Torridge Highways and Traffic Orders Committee meeting summary.

Other Matters

Health and Adult Care Services: A Deeper Dive

The Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee also discussed the Adults Transformation Programme, 'Living Well in Devon', which aims to modernise integrated adult social care. A site visit to the Tavistock Integrated Adult Social Care (IASC) Team at Abbey Rise highlighted challenges related to rurality, workforce recruitment, and the increasing prevalence of self-neglect cases. A general update on health and adult care services covered progress on the 'Living Well in Devon' programme, regional improvement activities, and public health initiatives, including the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and the Devon-wide Suicide Prevention Strategy.

Pension Fund Governance and Audit

The Investment and Pension Fund Committee also reviewed minutes from the Devon Pension Board and the Brunel Oversight Board, alongside the Internal Audit Annual Report for 2025/26, which provided Substantial Assurance on the Fund's internal control framework. Updates on investment pooling and the Peninsula Pensions administration performance were also presented.

Highways and Traffic Orders: West Devon and South Hams

Looking ahead, the West Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, 29 June 2026, to discuss local waiting restrictions and actions taken under delegated powers. The South Hams Highways and Traffic Orders Committee will meet on Friday, 10 July 2026, to consider similar traffic management matters.