Democracy & Governance
Multiple-choice survey on £3.5m budget cuts follows auditor criticism of council public consultation methods
Move to replace resident views on key decisions and policies with opinion polls and selective questionnaires follows serial failure to uphold own consultation charter.
How did Devon MPs vote on the assisted dying bill second reading?
Ten of Devon’s thirteen MPs voted in favour of a private member’s bill to legalise assisted dying in the House of Commons on Friday as the bill reached its crucial second reading stage.
2024-25 SEND overspend rises to £45.8m as government “safety valve” deal target breach doubles to £14.7m in two months
County council breaches Local Government Act by failing to publish budget documents in time for scrutiny and cabinet meetings and councillors complain about missing financial information and being “kept in the dark” about SEND delivery.
Government approves new Devon local government layer but says it still wants elected mayor
Devon & Torbay Combined County Authority expected to be first step towards regional governance structure as Institute for Government recommends absorption of Plymouth – and even Cornwall – into South West peninsula devolution deal.
How did Devon MPs vote on the winter fuel payment motion?
Nine of Devon’s thirteen MPs voted in favour of a motion, moved in the House of Commons on Tuesday by Conservative Central Devon MP Mel Stride, to annul the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024.
Council cuts and post-pandemic working prompt downsizing plan as small offices replace Paris Street Citypoint vision
Proposed move to Guildhall shopping centre, Phoenix arts venue and Oakwood House intended to enable Civic Centre site redevelopment as council claims £100,000 costings report and capital spending to come at “no cost to council taxpayers”.