05 January 2015

Paul Diviani sends New Year message to East Devon residents

In the darkest, nay, dampest, days of winter, I always feel driven to think
positively of the future. It seems so long since 2008 when the financial
world changed and with it the world of local Government.

Over the years, we have always been a cautious Council and that has largely
paid off when the going got rough. We have protected our frontline services
and cut and trimmed our back office requirements. Our satisfaction ratings
are the highest they have ever been with the exception of planning – but the
latter is replicated right across the country as we all try to come to terms
with the new planning guidelines and the need for growth.

As a country, we are still living beyond our means but the Chancellor is
tackling the deficit and the Coalition’s predictions are coming true. Whilst
the belt tightening continues the economy continues to improve and the
future is looking very bright. We are fortunate to live in a beautiful
place, which others want to share. Not only do we need more housing but the
massive unmet demand puts enormous upward pressure on house prices and, at
over 11 times average earnings, distorts the supply of local houses for
local people.

I welcome the Government’s stance on localism as outlined by Secretary of
State Eric Pickles’ in a message shortly before Christmas when he asserted
that: “Patterns of local government should reflect England’s local
identities and traditions. We will champion England’s long-standing towns,
boroughs, cities and counties, and will continue to oppose the imposition of
artificial regional structures”.

As a rural designated area – even though we include Exmouth, Devon’s largest
town – we are part of the District Councils’ Network and have been fighting
hard for fairer funding. Whilst the Government appears to acknowledge our
entitlement, they have still a long way to go to redress the imbalance with
our big urban colleagues. We have nevertheless got the funding we predicted
when we started our budget-setting process, so yet again we will be able to
balance our books for the coming fiscal year. Members and Officers have
worked diligently on your behalf and will continue so to do.

May I take this opportunity to wish everyone Good Health, Happiness, Peace
and Prosperity for 2015.

Councillor Paul Diviani, Leader, East Devon District Council