Stories that explore key issues behind the headlines
City council outsourcing Exeter local government to unaccountable Liveable Exeter Place Board
An Exeter Observer investigation of Liveable Exeter Place Board has found that it is a de facto decision-making and governance body which exercises public functions with the potential to affect everyone who lives and works in Exeter.
Freedom of information requests reveal Liveable Exeter Place Board “chumocracy” overseeing the city
Despite the significance of Liveable Exeter Place Board’s role in determining the city’s future, its members are selected and appointed on a secretive, informal basis.
Positive Light Projects opens community arts centre despite Citypoint redevelopment threat
Parts of Exeter city centre are experiencing an unplanned renaissance as small shops and cultural venues move in to fill empty units on Paris Street and Sidwell Street, but uncertainty remains as the council still plans to demolish and redevelop.
River Exe green spaces and heritage harbour site threatened by “Liveable Exeter” development scheme
Exeter Civic Society and Green, Liberal Democrat and Independent councillors raise alarm at prospect of Exeter City Council development in river valley park and historic canal basin.
Devon Pension Fund fossil fuel investment position exposed by Shell and BP AGM votes
Shareholder support for Paris Agreement-compatible goals increases but fails to prevent continuing oil and gas exploration, extraction, production or consumption as experts intensify warnings that emissions reductions goals will be missed.
