The South Hams Executive Forward Plan of South Hams and West Devon Council met on 21 August 2025 to discuss a range of upcoming reports and strategies. These included budget monitoring, debt write-offs, and updates on various projects and plans. The Executive also considered strategies related to climate change, community development, arts and culture, and consultation and engagement.

Waste & Recycling Implementation Plan

The Executive was scheduled to consider a report presenting a draft implementation plan for compliance with the Environment Act 2021. The Environment Act 2021 introduces a range of measures designed to improve air and water quality, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable waste management.

Budget Monitoring Reports

The Executive was scheduled to review the Month 4 Revenue Budget Monitoring Report 2025/26, and the Month 4 Capital Programme Monitoring Report 2025/26. These reports presented the latest revenue budget monitoring position to the end of July 2025. The Executive was also scheduled to review the Month 7 Revenue Budget Monitoring Report 2025/26, the Month 7 Capital Programme Monitoring Report 2025/26, the Month 10 Revenue Budget Monitoring Report 2025/26, and the Month 10 Capital Programme Monitoring Report 2025/26.

Draft Revenue and Capital Budget Proposals

The Executive was scheduled to consider a report setting out a draft set of Revenue and Capital Budget proposals for 2026/27, on two separate occasions.

Climate Change and Biodiversity Action

The Executive was scheduled to consider a report that sets out an update on the council's organisational decarbonisation and net-zero initiative. This initiative likely aligns with the council's broader climate change strategy and commitments to reduce its carbon footprint.

Community Development Action Plan

The Executive was scheduled to review a report outlining the draft plan for community development. This plan likely encompasses various initiatives and strategies aimed at enhancing the well-being and quality of life for residents within the South Hams district.

Arts and Culture Strategy

The Executive was scheduled to consider a report presenting a draft Arts and Culture Strategy for adoption. This strategy would likely outline the council's vision and priorities for supporting and promoting arts and culture within the community.

Kingsbridge Pump Track

The Executive was scheduled to discuss a report detailing the Kingsbridge Pump Track project. The report was intended to provide an overview of the project's progress, including any challenges or opportunities identified.

LGA Corporate Peer Challenge

The Executive was scheduled to review the feedback report from a recent Corporate Peer Challenge review conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA). Corporate Peer Challenges are designed to provide councils with an independent assessment of their performance and identify areas for improvement.

Debt Write-Offs

The Executive was scheduled to consider a report seeking to write off a number of debts deemed irrecoverable. Debt write-offs are a routine part of financial management for local authorities, as they acknowledge debts that are unlikely to be collected.

Hunting Task & Finish Group Conclusions

The Executive was scheduled to consider a recommendation arising from the Overview & Scrutiny Committee in relation to adopting an updated Hunting Protocol. The Hunting Protocol likely provides guidance on hunting practices within the district, balancing the interests of hunters with the need to protect wildlife and the environment.

Medium Term Financial Strategy

The Executive was scheduled to consider a report presenting the council's Medium Term Financial Strategy for debate. The Medium Term Financial Strategy sets out the council's financial plans for the next few years, taking into account factors such as government funding, inflation, and demand for services.

Leisure Update

The Executive was scheduled to consider a report providing an update on the Leisure Service. This update likely covers various aspects of the council's leisure provision, including facilities, programmes, and performance.

Procurement Strategy

The Executive was scheduled to consider a concluding report from the Task and Finish Group that presents a draft Procurement Strategy for approval. A Procurement Strategy outlines the council's approach to buying goods, services, and works, ensuring value for money and compliance with regulations.

South Hams Festival: Rally for Nature

The Executive was scheduled to consider an update report on the South Hams Festival initiative. The South Hams Festival likely encompasses a range of events and activities designed to celebrate the district's natural environment and promote conservation.

Consultation & Engagement Strategy

The Executive was scheduled to consider the concluding report of the Consultation & Engagement Strategy Task and Finish Group. This strategy likely outlines how the council will engage with residents and stakeholders on key issues and decisions.

Council Tax Reduction Scheme

The Executive was scheduled to consider the annual report on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and Council Tax Discounts and Premiums for 2026/27. The Council Tax Reduction Scheme provides financial assistance to low-income households to help them pay their council tax bills.

Car Parking Update

The Executive was scheduled to consider the six-month review of car parking and permits. This review likely assesses the performance of the council's car parking services, including occupancy rates, revenue generation, and customer satisfaction.

Investment in Community Sports Facilities

The Executive was scheduled to consider a report presenting a series of recommendations related to investing in Community Sports Facilities. This investment likely aims to improve the quality and accessibility of sports facilities for residents of all ages and abilities.

Validation Checklist

The Executive was scheduled to consider a report presenting an updated Validation Checklist for approval. A Validation Checklist sets out the information that applicants need to provide when submitting a planning application, ensuring that applications are complete and can be processed efficiently.

The Council's Biodiversity Report

The Executive was scheduled to consider a report that set out the council's response to its duties relating to Biodiversity Net Gain. Biodiversity Net Gain is an approach to development that aims to leave the natural environment in a better state than it was before.

Freeport – Six-Monthly Update

The Executive was scheduled to consider a report that presents the six-monthly update on the Freeport project. Freeports are special economic zones that offer a range of benefits to businesses, such as reduced tariffs and taxes.

Integrated Performance Management Report

The Executive was scheduled to consider a report that presents the Integrated Performance Management report for the period from 1 July to 31 October 2025. Integrated Performance Management involves monitoring and evaluating the council's performance against its strategic objectives.

National Landscapes Management Plan

The Executive was scheduled to consider the latest version of the draft National Landscape Management Plan for approval. National Landscapes¹ are areas of countryside that are protected for their natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy

The Executive was scheduled to consider a report that seeks to adopt the Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Local Nature Recovery Strategies are a key tool for delivering the government's 25 Year Environment Plan.

Integrated Performance Management – Closedown Report

The Executive was scheduled to consider a report that presents the Integrated Performance Management Closedown report. This report likely provides a summary of the council's performance over the past year and identifies areas for improvement.

Alcohol Public Space Protection Orders

The Executive was scheduled to consider a report that seeks adoption of a series of Alcohol Public Space Protection Orders² in the District.