THE EXETER DIGEST

Exeter Digest #57: PCC defies panel - Musgrave Row pedestrian zone - Police underperforming

With a selection of Exeter Observer stories from the past twelve months to keep you ticking over during the summer recess.

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Devon and Cornwall PCC defies Police and Crime Panel to appoint former Torbay colleague as deputy

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez announced decision to hire Mark Kingscote on same day panel voted against appointment because ‘candidate does not meet the minimum requirements of the post’. Full story here.

Musgrave Row pedestrian zone marred by moving traffic offences

Survey suggests 30,000 prohibited private cars pass through street each year as a result of confusing signage, inconsistent restrictions and lack of enforcement. Full story here.

Devon & Cornwall Police inspection finds force underperforming in half of areas assessed

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire and Rescue Services has ‘serious concerns’ over investigations management and says force still needs to reduce response times despite ‘significant efforts to improve’. Full story here.

24 stories for the 2024 summer recess

24 STORIES FOR THE 2024 SUMMER RECESS

The Exeter Observer team is taking a short break from publishing over the summer recess to carry out essential website maintenance and development work.

We’ve picked 24 stories from the past twelve months to keep you ticking over until our return in September. More details here.

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More stories
Clarendon House, Exeter

Clarendon House developer submits plan to convert office block to 32 residential flats alongside 310-bed PBSA proposals

Application for change of use of existing building to be followed by application for demolition and replacement with much taller student accommodation complex following two rounds of informal public consultation on scheme.

Bar chart of Devon County Council cumulative SEND deficit 2019-20 to 2031-32 at March 2024 with 2024-25 £14.7 million month eight excess overspend added

Devon County Council “safety valve” deal target breach rises by 40% to £20.4m as SEND overspend reaches £51.6m

Cumulative SEND deficit now expected to peak at £227m while deal targets set to be missed every year to 2032, risking County Hall bankruptcy if government withdraws support.

Devon County Council 2025-26 budget press release image

Devon County Council 2025-26 budget to bring more service delivery cuts

£22 million cuts concealed by £60 million costs increases as council misrepresents financial position and fails to answer questions about where cuts will fall.

Mark Kingscote and Alison Hernandez

Deputy police and crime commissioner Mark Kingscote resigns five months after defiant appointment by Alison Hernandez

Resignation follows appointment of third Devon & Cornwall Police chief constable in eighteen months after suspensions of Jim Colwell in November and Will Kerr in July 2023.

Royal Clarence Hotel in September 2024

Paternoster House developer takes on Royal Clarence Hotel rebuild after sale agreement reached with previous owners

Completion of restoration plans for five floors of luxury flats above ground floor and basement commercial units scheduled for April 2027, more than decade after historic Cathedral Yard building burnt down.

Interim Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan

James Vaughan appointed as interim Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable

Appointment follows suspension of acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell, recruited following suspension of Chief Constable Will Kerr, as force pays salaries of all three.

On Our Radar
Digital Media Literacy seminars graphic

MONDAY 27 JANUARY TO MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2025

Let’s Talk About: Digital Media Literacy

A series of free seminars aimed at tackling misinformation and information overload in the digital world.

EXETER LIBRARY

Woodcut illustrating an execution by burning at the stake

SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2025

Exeter History Book Festival

One-day event with talks from four Devon historians and stalls from local heritage organisations.

MINT METHODIST CHURCH CENTRE

Iryna Ilnytska in Exeter Cathedral

SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2025

Aspects of Love

A lunchtime concert with mezzo-soprano Iryna Ilnytska to raise funds for Ukraine.

EXETER CATHEDRAL