Exeter In Brief

Exeter Observer's regular round-up of local news that matters

Ex-Reform UK county councillors Edward Hill and Angela Nash join far-right party

Two ex-Reform UK Devon county councillors have joined Advance UK, a far-right party launched in 2025 and led by former Reform UK deputy leader Ben Habib.

Devon & Cornwall Police council tax precept to rise by 5.2%

Alison Hernandez, Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and The Isles Of Scilly, says that a 2026-27 government funding shortfall has left her with “no choice” but to propose increasing the Devon & Cornwall Police council tax precept by 5.2% – the maximum permitted.

County Hall committee rejects Barnfield Road cycling and walking scheme

A Barnfield Road cycling and walking scheme has been rejected by the Exeter Highways and Traffic Order committee.

Devon County Council confirms plan to sell 1.5 acre Matford huts County Hall plot for redevelopment

Devon County Council has confirmed it intends to dispose of a 1.5 acre plot in the grounds of County Hall despite the submission of 180 objections in two rounds of public consultation.

Royal Clarence Hotel redevelopment to go ahead without affordable housing

Exeter City Council has accepted extensive historic fabric damage and foregone a £2.4 million affordable housing contribution to enable the redevelopment of the Royal Clarence Hotel site as luxury flats and commercial space.

Stagecoach South West to run Guernsey bus services

Exeter-based bus operator Stagecoach South West has won a contract to run the network of bus services in Guernsey from April next year.

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