HEADLINES
Devon County Council reveals perilous financial state with SEND spending having “significant impact” on cash balances
5.9% budget increase for 2025-26 conceals £22 million cuts and £66 million cost increases with “inevitable” impact on “vital” services. Read more.
Exeter Energy insists Riverside Valley Park only viable heat plant site but fails to explain Marsh Barton brownfield rejection
Company admits River Exe water source connection merely “potential” after 2036, incinerator connection only “possible” after 2030 and solar array “will not” meet plant electricity demand while statutory objections challenge Grace Road Fields plans. Read more.
Councillor misses 12 of 14 meetings to leave Heavitree & Whipton Barton without County Hall representation for over a year
Dates of two public rights of way committee meetings attended by Danny Barnes – neither conducting Exeter business – meant no by-election held despite Labour councillor missing all meetings of Devon County Council since December 2023. Read more.
Three Devon & Cornwall Police chief constables costing £64,000 per month
Police and Crime Commissioner seeks Home Office help with wage bill equating to £767,000 a year resulting from suspension of two chief constables in 18 months. Read more.
Exeter Community Lottery income spent on gambling licence fees and costs despite council marketing and point of sale claims
Materially misleading claims that 60% of ticket sales revenue goes to good causes repeatedly made on lottery website and in official council communications as Australian multinational profits from local voluntary and community sector support. Read more.
ON OUR RADAR
2025 International Women’s Festival // Exeter Phoenix
A free one-day festival celebrating women with live music, art, workshops, panel discussions and more. More details.
Four Seasons // Emmanuel Hall
Little Bulb uses music, puppetry and clowning to tell a Vivaldi-inspired family-friendly tale. More details.
Titus Andronicus // St Nicholas Priory
Lightbear Lane hosts a reading of Shakespeare’s bloody revenge tale. More details.
BELOW THE FOLD
Will Devon’s eleven councils find common ground as local authority reorganisation deadline looms?
A county-wide consensus is gaining traction with most Devon councils already on board and only Exeter City Council standing in its way while County Hall has yet to make up its mind. Read more.
Plans for unfunded £7 million Wonford community hub redevelopment approved
Exeter City Council approves own planning application to demolish, rebuild and part-refurbish existing community and sports facilities beside Ludwell Valley Park. Read more.
Devon County Council plans more bus priority schemes aimed at improving journey times in Exeter arterial roads
Schemes in Alphington Road, Barrack Road, Cowley Bridge Road, Honiton Road, Topsham Road and at Exe Bridges gyratory to follow Cowick Street, Heavitree Road, Pinhoe Road and New North Road changes. Read more.
