Stories about Devon County Council

When, where and how to vote in the 2025 local elections in Exeter
Our guide to casting your ballot in person, by post and by proxy as well as voter ID requirements and regulations for casting postal votes.

Heavitree & Whipton Barton community groups miss out on £14,600 after Danny Barnes fails to sign funding agreements
Voluntary sector grants now lost following 12% councillor attendance record highlighting need for by-elections in absentee cases.

Help hold Devon’s political parties and politicians to account during the 2025 local elections
Send us any campaign materials you receive so we can fact-check candidates’ claims and hold them to their pledges after the votes have been counted.

Devon County Council reveals perilous financial state with SEND spending having “significant impact” on cash balances
5.9% budget increase for 2025-26 conceals £22 million cuts and £66 million cost increases with “inevitable” impact on “vital” services.

Councillor misses 12 of 14 meetings to leave Heavitree & Whipton Barton without County Hall representation for over a year
Dates of two public rights of way committee meetings attended by Danny Barnes – neither conducting Exeter business – meant no by-election held despite Labour councillor missing all meetings of Devon County Council since December 2023.