The independent public interest journalism Exeter needs
South West Water fined £2.15 million for environmental offences
South West Water has been fined £2.15 million and ordered to pay £280,000 costs after pleading guilty to thirteen environmental offences committed between July 2016 and August 2020 across Devon and Cornwall, the largest fine imposed for such offences in the region.
Exeter City Council governance review postponed for seventh time
A major review of Exeter City Council governance, which has already been postponed six times and was not expected to address the issues it raises until July, making it nine months late, has now disappeared from the council’s forward plan altogether.
Cost of living data shows 6.6% real terms fall in Exeter wages
Cost of living data shows that Exeter wages fell in real terms by 6.6% over the year to March 2023, the biggest fall bar one of all 62 cities and large towns included in the Centre for Cities tracker.
Marsh Barton railway station opening date not set despite completed works
Works at Marsh Barton railway station are now complete but an opening date will not be set until regulatory approval for its use is granted.
Devon County Council admits “serious, material, well-evidenced” governance failures
Deficient SEND and children’s services combine with threat of section 114 bankruptcy notice to prompt “root and branch” review aimed at restoring “external confidence in the council’s democratic legitimacy”.
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Council leader “chooses” not to follow Local Government Association guidance
When asked at April’s meeting of Exeter City Council why it does not follow Local Government Association guidance which explicitly advises against the council leader and planning portfolio holder sitting on the planning committee to avoid conflict of interest risks, council leader Phil Bialyk said: “I choose not to follow the guidance”.
