Democracy doesn't work when people don't know Upgrade to paid
Martin Redfern
Exeter City Council is expecting to make net savings of £3.835 million next financial year and reduce its reserves to a minimum despite an increase in central government funding, according to 2023-24 budget proposals to be discussed at January’s executive committee meeting.
Repairs and maintenance of council-owned property will be cut back significantly, resulting in further degradation and closure risks, but a £10.6 million loan to Exeter City Living will go ahead.
Public interest news that holds power and influence to account is more important now than it has ever been.
Democracy doesn't work when people don't know who is deciding what on whose behalf and what the costs and consequences of those decisions will be.
Exeter Observer can produce the independent investigative journalism our local democracy needs because it is funded by its readers.
152 of the 300 paying subscribers we need to cover our running costs and keep publishing have signed up so far.
If you value local news that matters please join them today from less than £2/week and get access to exclusive premium content and more.
Charges for waterways access are set to be imposed from the quay and canal basin to the coast under proposed Harbour Revision Order powers after six years of rising costs propelled by pursuit of Port Marine Safety Code compliance. They risk driving away craft of all sizes, from kayaks to yachts, while redevelopment threatens canalside land – but it’s not too late to change course.
, updated
Losses include £6.2 million loan write-off associated with Sandy Park Hotel owned by club chairman Tony Rowe.
Around 850 people took part in city centre event held under “Unite Against the Far Right” banner while “Unity March Exeter” attendees numbered around 60.
Spinnaker Estates application for full planning permission for 180-bed redevelopment would increase number of student beds in immediate area to 1,754.
Public consultation on changes explores possibility of closing some branches altogether despite claims to the contrary while Libraries Unlimited contract extension decision scheduled for six weeks before consultation ends.
Complex of seven blocks up to six storeys tall on site of police station and magistrates court to bring purpose-built temporary accommodation tally to 3,250 beds in Newtown alone – while failing to meet local plan minimum building separation policy.
Final revised proposals for 12,400 square metre “town centre facilities” with 376 car parking spaces in Honiton Road trigger another public consultation five years after Exeter City Council granted outline planning permission for development.
TUESDAY 6 TO FRIDAY 30 JANUARY 2026
A programme of creative workshops, classes and events including poetry and music performances.
EXETER CITY CENTRE
Rejection of voluntary and community sector calls for more inclusive response follows thirteen-year council failure to comply with legal duties under crime and disorder legislation in relation to Exeter Community Safety Partnership.
