Analysis and opinion that cuts through the noise

Councillor falsely labels community grants cuts story “misinformation”
Labour’s Martin Pearce brands Exeter Observer “opposition propaganda” at full city council meeting, earning rebuke from Lord Mayor and putting council at risk of code of practice breach during pre-election period.

City council sustainable food policy is a climate crisis red herring
Proposed changes don’t apply to council meetings or most council food provision and are expected to have unquantifiably small impact while diverting resources from major decarbonisation challenges.

Exeter City Council’s approach to decision-making is damaging local democracy
Separation of powers and transparency provisions intended to safeguard public interest being subverted while council defies auditor over loss-making company.

Is the grass really greener in Exeter city centre?
Academic research placing Exeter retail area at top of green space table was nationally reported, locally misrepresented then repurposed as booster fuel by local politicians overlooking study’s social justice focus.