Stories that explore key issues behind the headlines
£50 million county council 2024-25 service delivery cuts concealed by £93 million costs increases
Figures essentially unaffected by budget scrutiny process during which councillors sought details of where and how cuts would fall but received few proper answers.
Stagecoach South West posts largest losses in sector despite greatest growth in journey numbers
Lowest year on year revenue rise compounded by above average staffing costs increase as £2 bus fare cap continues to prop up passenger demand.
Liveable Exeter Placemaking Charter consultation skewed towards only one of five “core tools”
Private developers’ forum and other major components of new charter not mentioned in council communications, but transparency and new “culture of openness” to “help build trust in the planning system” emphasised throughout.
Top to bottom King Billy student block redesign waved through as minor variation to consented plans
Council throws out Design Review Panel interventions and reneges on commitment to planning committee while developers claim unauthorised destruction of protected medieval wall justified on safety grounds.
Council plans huge allotment fees increases to claw back cash from 1,500 city gardeners and growers
Plot holders provided with incomplete picture as consultation held which does not comply with council’s own charter and delayed scrutiny report that omits key survey findings suggests council aims to turn profit from allotment provision.
, updated
Devon County Council adopts charging strategy that provides for only 20% of EVs it expects by 2030
Local ULEV ownership has risen rapidly in recent years but many more vehicles have joined county’s roads as local transport area ULEV growth lags behind rest of country and Exeter motor vehicle numbers alone top 87,000.