Stories by Martin Redfern
2024 Exeter local elections guide
City council elections take place on Thursday 2 May. Our comprehensive guide covers who’s standing where, wards to watch and the backdrop to this year’s ballot, which promises to be the most unpredictable contest in years.
Australian multinational is biggest council lottery winner as 92% of local causes receive less than £500
Operator collects £26,000 and city council £16,000 in first nine months as public support for Exeter voluntary and community organisations turned into private profit.
County council to impose new local government tier despite majority opposition to devolution deal
Emptiness of claims that new combined authority will be accountable reflected in failure to respect consultation results as all eight Devon district councils decry prospective democratic deficit.
Auditor broadens inquiry to include Exeter City Futures and ex-CEO secondment to liquidated company
More “significant weaknesses” found in city council governance and financial and performance management arrangements while St Sidwell’s Point valued at £7 million less than build cost and £370,000 ex-CEO final year pay and benefits confirmed.
Devon devolution deal to create unaccountable local government layer for paltry £16 million payoff
Democratic deficit to increase as city and district councils lose control over housing and prosperity funding and transport policy powers moved out of reach, while county council plans to approve deal irrespective of public consultation outcome.
£1+ million for Wonford community hub project development but £7 million build finance not yet found
City council presented £750,000 “feasibility proposal” as progression of existing plans despite having to start again after three years to cut costs, with Exeter City Living awarded £550,000 project contract.