TOP STORY
Centre for Cities finds Exeter economic growth and living standards performance among worst in country’s 63 largest places
Council leader Phil Bialyk celebrates rapid Exeter population rise but fails to mention think-tank findings on falling disposable incomes, declining living standards, low wages and unaffordable housing – or impact of student numbers on city population figures. Read more here.
EXETER IN BRIEF
£475,000 King George V playing field funding decision disappears from council meeting agenda
An Exeter City Council executive committee decision ‘relating to financial ask of c.£475,000’ for an Exeter City Community Trust scheme at King George V playing field, which was expected at its 17 March meeting, has not appeared on the meeting agenda. More here.
Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service not making sufficient progress
An inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services has found that Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service has not made sufficient progress in addressing concerns it raised after inspecting the service at the end of 2024. More here.
Devon County Council defers Matford huts redevelopment sale
Devon County Council has deferred a decision to sell a 1.5 acre plot in the grounds of County Hall following a campaign by local residents and councillors. More here.
South West Water admits Brixham drinking water contamination offences
South West Water has admitted criminal offences relating to the contamination of drinking water in Brixham in 2024. More here.
Exeter Prison still faces “deep-rooted and longstanding challenges”
An inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons has found that Exeter Prison still faces “deep-rooted and longstanding challenges” despite the efforts of staff, which it said are “beginning to make a real difference”. More here.
£2.5 million Cathedral & Quay car park plans withdrawn by city council
Exeter City Council has withdrawn its £2.5 million plans to refurbish the upper decks of the Cathedral & Quay multi-storey car park and outsource its daily management. More here.
Dryden Road consultation resumes after being halted by councillors
A Devon County Council consultation on controversial Dryden Road layout changes has resumed after being halted at the request of councillors to clarify the options it presented. More here.
New E-bike hire scheme to begin Exeter pilot
A new E-bike hire scheme is expected to begin a pilot in Exeter in the next few weeks, according to Local Democracy Reporter Guy Henderson. More here.
University of Exeter made 450 staff redundant over past two years
The University of Exeter has made redundancy payments of almost £19 million to around 450 staff who have left under a voluntary scheme over the past two years. More here.
Neighbourhood CIL consultation held after auditor criticism of city council levy governance
Exeter City Council is holding a public consultation on the way it spends Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy &nash; a charge paid by the developers of most new development which is intended to mitigate its impact &nash; which the council has been controversially spending on community grants and Wellbeing Exeter since 2019. More here.
ON OUR RADAR
Benedictine weekend // St Nicholas Priory
Medieval food, talks, workshops and music exploring the life and times of Hildegard of Bingen. More details here.
La Cenerentola // St Nicholas Priory
Exeter Opera Group performs Rossini’s variation on Cinderella with a twist. More details here.
Seedlings // Love Food hub
A one-off workshop focussed on the work of Akwesasne seed keeper Rowen White. More details here.
