Analysis and opinion that cuts through the noise
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.
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.
Access for all? Mobility-impaired passengers still cannot catch their train from some Exeter stations
National railway accessibility policies fail to deliver local transport network access as Exeter St Thomas station improvement funding bid decision awaited.
The Gorge stands 70% empty nearly six months after opening as mounting council tax liability looms
Council development director claims developer interest demonstrates need for co-living in Exeter but works have yet to start on all other such schemes.
Revised proposals to sell council land for co-living and high-spec housing discount site viability issues
Council leader’s Clifton Hill and Mary Arches car park sale amendments agreed by Executive without discussing financial consequences, including multi-million pound value losses compelling sale of other assets to cover Exeter City Living debts.
