This week in Devon:

School Transport Appeals Committee Cancelled

The School Transport Appeals Committee meeting scheduled for Monday 1 June 2026 was cancelled.

Devon Authorities Strategic Waste Committee Cancelled

The Devon Authorities Strategic Waste Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 3 June 2026 was cancelled.

Religious Education Standards Under Review at Standing Advisory Council

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met on Tuesday 2 June 2026 to discuss school standards, curriculum development, and regional and national initiatives. A key focus was the review of Ofsted reports concerning Religious Education (RE), collective worship, and Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development in schools.

The meeting agenda included updates on findings from recent Ofsted reports, with specific attention drawn to Parkham Primary School. Inspectors noted that Leaders recognise that further work is needed to continue developing pupils' understanding of cultural diversity. SACRE officers have been in contact with the school to offer support.

Several other primary and secondary schools across Devon were mentioned in relation to Ofsted findings, including Witheridge, St Sidwells, Hamisadi, Hemyock Parkham, Parknam, Aveton Gifford, Aveton Gillora, Cheriton Bishop, Kentisbeare, St Mary's Buckfast, High Bickington, Kingsacre, Two Moors, Wynstream, Haywards, Gatehouse, Wilcombe, Okehampton, Ilfracombe, and Sidmouth. For schools graded Needs Attention, SACRE officers may offer support.

The meeting also received an update on the Learn, Teach, Lead RE (LTLRE) hub network, including training sessions and ongoing success across Devon. Discussions covered regional and national developments in RE, including feedback from the South West SACRE Conference and the NASACRE Conference.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education meeting summary.

Mid Devon Highways Committee to Review Waiting Restrictions

The Mid Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee is scheduled to meet on Friday 5 June 2026. The committee will review the local waiting restriction programme, which includes proposals for new or amended waiting restrictions across Mid Devon. These proposals have undergone consultation with local County Councillors and the Chair and Vice Chair.

The report details specific proposals, such as extending No Waiting At Any Time restrictions in Millway, Bradninch, Willand Road, Cullompton, and various locations in Tiverton, Sampford Peverell, Uffculme, and Bampton. These measures aim to improve visibility, prevent obstructive parking, and ensure the safe movement of traffic. The committee will also consider actions taken under delegated powers, including traffic regulation orders implemented in Crediton, Cullompton, and Tiverton.

The meeting will also include a verbal update from the Bus Users and Stakeholders (BUS) Forum and discussions on petitions and parking policy reviews.

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

This week in Devon:

Council Leadership and Committee Structures Confirmed

Devon County Council convened on Thursday, 28 May 2026, to formalise its leadership and committee structures for the upcoming year. A key outcome was the appointment of Councillor Ed Tilsley as the Chair of the new Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Scrutiny Committee. This committee will play a vital role in overseeing the complex operational and workload implications of the council's reorganisation. Councillor Jess Bailey was also confirmed to continue as Chair of the Adult and Health Scrutiny Committee.

The council also approved the composition of various committees, including a reduction in the size of the Development Management Committee in preparation for the Planning and Infrastructure Act¹. This Act aims to streamline planning processes, and the council's adaptation reflects a commitment to efficient development management.

The formalisation of these structures is essential for the effective functioning of local government, ensuring clear lines of accountability and oversight. The LGR Scrutiny Committee, in particular, will be critical in navigating the significant changes ahead, aiming to ensure services remain safe, legal, and transparent throughout the transition.

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

Safeguarding Standards: Council Reaffirms Statutory Duties

In a significant debate on safeguarding standards, Devon County Council reaffirmed its commitment to meeting all statutory duties. A notice of motion brought forward by Councillor Edward Hill, calling for an independent investigation into safeguarding standards and oversight in publicly funded services, was discussed at length.

The Cabinet's recommendations, which were ultimately adopted by the council, stated that the council already meets its statutory safeguarding duties. This decision means that an independent investigation into third-party providers, as initially proposed, will not proceed. Councillor Hill had argued that the council's own report on the matter was insufficient and that the council itself should be included in any independent review, stating, This motion is about protecting children. Those recommendations are about protecting the council. ¹

However, the council's leadership maintained that professional officers had conducted thorough investigations and concluded that the matter did not constitute a safeguarding issue. Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of the Council, stated, Our professional officers have said that this is not a safeguarding issue. And they've done that over – you know, put in hours and hours of work and looked into it, and that's what the situation has come up with. ² This decision highlights the council's reliance on its internal assessments and professional advice when evaluating safeguarding concerns.

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

Fairtrade Commitment Renewed, Community Pharmacy Crisis Acknowledged

Devon County Council has renewed its commitment to the Fairtrade movement, approving a motion to continue supporting Fairtrade practices across the county. This decision, following a recommendation from the Cabinet, reinforces Devon's long-standing support for Fairtrade initiatives, which began in 2008. The council will continue to engage with Fairtrade organisations and promote their work.

In a separate but equally important matter, the council acknowledged the ongoing crisis in community pharmacy access across Devon. A notice of motion brought forward by Councillor Steve Lodge highlighted the precarious situation facing pharmacies, with concerns about potential collapses of pharmacy chains. The council agreed to monitor the situation and engage with relevant bodies. This is a critical issue for residents, particularly in rural areas, where community pharmacies are often the first point of contact for health advice and essential medicines. The potential for further pharmacy closures could leave many vulnerable individuals without accessible healthcare support.

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

Addressing Non-Adopted Developments and Road Modernisation

The council addressed the issue of non-adopted developments, particularly in light of developer insolvency. A motion concerning the protection of residents, the highway authority, and the public purse in such situations, using the Home Farm development in Pinhoe as a case study, was discussed. The council accepted the Cabinet's recommendation to investigate what could have been done to prevent such situations and to consider a gesture of goodwill for the residents of Home Farm. This acknowledges the significant financial burden placed on residents when essential infrastructure, such as sewers, is not completed to an adoptable standard before developers become insolvent. The council also agreed to an amendment to ensure that Devon County Council itself is included in any independent investigation.

In a related matter, the council approved urgent action to safeguard and modernise the Tarka Line¹. This includes a commitment to driving its modernisation and exploring the feasibility of a half-hourly service throughout the day. This is a significant step towards improving public transport connectivity in North Devon, which can have a positive impact on local economies and reduce reliance on private vehicles, benefiting both residents and the environment.

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

Other Matters

Notices of Motion Referred to Cabinet

Several other notices of motion were presented and referred to the Cabinet for further consideration. These included:

• Addressing the impact of excessive housing development on Exeter's environment, infrastructure, and public services.
• Examining the economic impact of Brexit and the single market.
• Investigating airborne particulate risk, public health, and planning controls.
• Protecting Devon's visitor economy and rejecting a tourist tax.
• Expanding bus lane access for two-plus and two-wheel vehicles to reduce congestion and emissions.
• Promoting the smarter use of traffic signals to reduce emissions and energy use.

These referrals indicate the council's ongoing engagement with a wide range of community and policy issues.

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

This week in Devon:

Libraries Face Transformation: Council Backs No Reduction in Opening Hours, Boosts Funding

Devon's libraries are set to receive a significant boost, with the Cabinet voting on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, to maintain current weekly staffed opening hours and invest an additional £100,000 annually into the library book fund. This decision comes after extensive public consultation, where residents overwhelmingly expressed their desire to keep libraries accessible.

The Cabinet agreed to Option C regarding weekly staffed opening hours, meaning no reduction will occur. This is a crucial win for communities, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with limited digital access, who rely on libraries as safe, welcoming spaces for learning, connection, and essential services. The decision acknowledges the vital role libraries play beyond just lending books, acting as community hubs and gateways to support.

In a move to further enhance services, the council will invest an extra £100,000 into the book fund for the financial years 2026-27 and 2027-28. Furthermore, the collection of overdue book fines will cease from 1 October 2026, removing a potential barrier for some users.

The council also agreed to develop a new Volunteer Strategy, working with Libraries Unlimited to recruit and support more library volunteers. This will help extend library access and support staffed hours. A new model of Partnership Libraries will also be developed, utilising the £1,000,000 Libraries Transformation and Rural Hub Fund to work with local councils, charities, and other organisations.

The Cabinet also noted the feedback from the library consultation, with emerging key themes and opportunities for further development to be explored. The removal of area groupings and bandings for categorising libraries signals a move towards a more unified service.

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

Roads to Get a Major Overhaul: £11.6 Million Boost for Highway Maintenance

Devon's roads are set to benefit from a substantial investment, as the Cabinet approved the capital-funded highway maintenance programme for 2026/27 on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. This decision includes a significant amendment to the highways maintenance block grant, moving £11,644,818 from conditional to unconditional funding for 2026/27.

This injection of funds is a direct response to the positive impact of additional funding approved in February 2026, which focused on improving roads over the next four years. The approved programme for 2026/27 will see schemes delivered from both the capital budget and the On-street Parking Account. The detailed allocation of the budget will be managed by the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways.

The updated Asset Management Policy, now aligned with the Council's Strategic Plan 2025 – 2029, was also approved. This policy will guide the long-term management of the council's highway assets, ensuring a strategic approach to maintenance and investment.

Crucially, an expanded 12-month Pothole Repair Trial was agreed. This trial will provide valuable data and insights into the most effective methods for tackling potholes, a persistent issue that impacts all road users, particularly cyclists and motorcyclists, and can cause significant damage to vehicles. The delegated authority for minor amendments to the trial was given to the Director for Climate Change, Environment and Transport (Interim), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways Management.

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

Shaugh Prior Primary School to Close

The Cabinet approved the closure of Shaugh Prior Primary School from 31 August 2026, during their meeting on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. The decision also included the approval of proposed new designated areas for school transport eligibility for the area currently served by the school.

The closure of a local school can have a profound impact on a community, affecting not only the children and their families but also the wider social fabric of the area. The council has stated that the proposed new designated areas for school transport eligibility are intended to ensure that pupils continue to have access to education.

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

Farms Estate Modernises Rent Payments, Supports New Entrants

The Farms Estate Committee met on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, making significant decisions to modernise rent collection and support the next generation of farmers. A key resolution was to amend the Council's standard Farm Business Tenancy Agreements to require rent payments in advance via direct debit, spread across 12 equal monthly instalments.

This change, which will apply to all future tenancy agreements, aims to mitigate the risk of rent arrears and allow for earlier intervention if payments are missed. While many existing tenants already pay by direct debit, this new policy provides a more consistent and predictable income stream for the council and a clearer cash flow management tool for tenants. Tenant representatives and young farmers supported the move, seeing it as a sensible measure to help manage finances.

The committee also reviewed the financial performance of the County Farms Estate, noting a surplus of £538,802 for the 2025/26 financial year, with a projected surplus of £566,000 for 2026/27. Despite a challenging year for tenants due to volatile markets and rising costs, the estate continues to support new entrants into farming. The annual report highlighted that five starter farms were let to new tenants, and one tenant progressed to a larger holding within the estate.

Several farm restructuring plans were approved to support tenant progression and estate management. This included amalgamating land at Lower Alminstone Farm and advertising it as a progression farm, and offering land at Glebe Farm for internal competition among existing tenants. A fixed 12-month tenancy was also granted for East Fingle Farm to support a tenant's progression move beyond the estate.

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

New Tenants Selected for Lower Chitterley Farm

The Farms Estate Committee met on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, to interview prospective tenants for Lower Chitterley Farm, Bickleigh. Following the interviews, the committee resolved to offer the tenancy to Mr AT and Ms IC. Mr WC was named as the runner-up and will be offered the tenancy if the primary applicants do not accept.

The meeting was held in private to discuss sensitive information relating to the applicants. This process ensures fairness and confidentiality for all involved in the competitive selection for farm tenancies.

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

Other Matters

Revenue and Capital Outturn 2025/2026

The Cabinet noted a balanced break-even position for the General Fund Balance for the 2025/26 financial year. The revenue and capital outturns for the year were approved, including the use of capital finance and the setting aside of £19 million for the repayment of capital borrowing. The Prudential Indicators and total monies owing to the Council as at 31 March 2026 were also noted.

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

Specialist and Supported Housing Needs Assessment

The Cabinet approved the Specialist and Supported Housing Needs Assessment report. The council will continue to work with District and Borough Councils to deliver a joint Specialist and Supported Housing Strategy by 31 March 2027, in line with recent guidance and the Supported Housing Regulatory Oversight Act (SHROA).

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

Broadband (Community Voucher Scheme Opportunity)

The Cabinet noted a request to review the legal and equality implications of current national broadband policy, particularly concerning its unequal impacts on rural and hard-to-reach communities. Concerns will be escalated to national government. A task and finish group has been established to monitor the development and opportunities from the national broadband voucher scheme.

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

North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Strategy

The Cabinet endorsed the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Strategy 2026–2036. The council's role as host organisation and the role of the North Devon Biosphere Foundation were noted. Delegated authority was given to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport to sign the updated Partnership Agreement.

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

This week in Devon:

Libraries at a Crossroads: Council Consults on Future Vision Amidst Public Engagement

Devon's libraries are at the heart of community life, serving as vital hubs for learning, connection, and support. The Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, to review the outcomes of a significant public consultation on the future of the library service. With over 25,500 responses, the consultation reveals a deep public connection to these spaces, particularly for vulnerable groups.

The consultation explored proposals to reduce statutory opening hours, a move that has raised concerns among residents. While most respondents are satisfied with the current service, around 50% indicated that reduced opening hours would impact their visits. This is particularly worrying for children and older residents who rely on libraries for safe spaces, activities, and access to resources. The report highlights a strong opposition to reduced staffed hours, underscoring the library's role as a trusted community space.

However, the public's willingness to support libraries is evident. Over 6,000 individuals have offered to volunteer, and there is broad support for extending opening hours through various means, including the 'Open+'¹ initiative, which allows members to access buildings outside of standard hours. There's also a clear call for improved digital resources, with a focus on reducing e-book waiting times.

The council's budget decisions in February 2026 saw a reversal of a proposed £650,000 saving for the library service for 2025/26, and a £1,000,000 Transformation Fund has been established for future development. The committee is now tasked with providing feedback on an emerging Vision for Devon's Libraries, which aims to position libraries as Trusted • Welcoming • Community‑Led hubs. This vision emphasizes their role in reducing digital exclusion, improving health and wellbeing, and acting as a welcoming front door to wider support services.

The committee's feedback will inform recommendations to be considered by the Cabinet in May 2026.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee meeting summary.

School Transport Appeals: Confidentiality and Fairness

The School Transport Appeals Committee met on Monday, 27 April 2026, to consider appeals related to school transport. A significant portion of the meeting was held in private, with the press and public excluded. This was due to the likely disclosure of exempt information concerning the financial affairs of individuals. This practice, while necessary for privacy, highlights the delicate balance councils must strike between transparency and protecting sensitive personal data, especially when decisions impact families' access to essential services like school transport.

The committee was scheduled to review a timetable of appeals, along with briefing notes and representations from appellants. The exclusion of the public was recommended because the discussions were likely to involve information where the public interest in maintaining confidentiality outweighed the public interest in disclosure. This ensures that personal financial details are protected, but it also means that the specifics of these appeals remain private.

The meeting was scheduled to take place at County Hall, Exeter, Devon.

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

Pension Fund Governance: Board Reviews Performance and Future Planning

The Devon Pension Board met on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, to review its operations and plan for the future of the Devon Pension Fund. The board examined its attendance and training records, a crucial aspect of ensuring effective governance and compliance with the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) regulations. The Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2026 mandate that board members possess the necessary knowledge and skills, underscoring the importance of ongoing training.

Key discussions included the draft Devon Pension Board Annual Report for 2025/26, which details the board's activities and recommendations to the Investment and Pension Fund Committee. The board also considered its budget for 2026/27, with expenses for the local pension board being part of the fund's administration costs.

Employer performance monitoring was also on the agenda, focusing on the timely receipt of administration data and the payment of contributions from employers. Charges were noted for late data submissions, highlighting the importance of financial diligence from all parties involved in the pension fund.

The board reviewed the Pension Fund Risk Register, identifying key risks such as Investments External Market Risks and Cyber Security. This proactive risk management is essential for safeguarding the long-term financial health of the fund, which supports the retirement of many former council employees. Updates on Peninsula Pensions' administration performance and developments affecting the Local Government Pension Scheme, including changes to elected member pensions and survivor benefits, were also provided.

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

Other Matters

Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 28 April 2026, was cancelled.