Rates down, but higher than summer.

Daniel Clark, local democracy reporter www.radioexe.co.uk

Devon is in a “good place” to cope as restrictions  ease in the roadmap out of lockdown.

Infection rates in the county are down to 16 per 100,000 – the lowest on the England mainland, with only the Isle of Wight lower – with North Devon, the South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge and West Devon in the bottom ten for lower tier authorities.

Dr Phil Norrey, Devon County Council’s chief executive, has told councillors cases are still declining and have dropped by 25 per cent in the last week – but further declines will be slower.

He said that while restrictions are beginning to ease and that life begins to return to normal, there will still be a public health role as we will be living with covid over the next couple of years.

And he added that with more than 100,000 tests a week being carried out in the county through community testing, schools, care homes and health settings – around 12 per cent of the population – Devon is a good position to spot anything if it occurs. Even with the reopening of schools and twice weekly testing for pupils, infection rates are lower for people up to age 19 in Devon than when schools returned on 8 March.

Speaking at the council’s corporate infrastructure and regulatory services scrutiny committee meeting, Dr Norrey said: “Rates are still coming down but have slowed and we are into the hard yards to drive them out from a relatively low position. They are still higher than last summer, but we had far fewer tests then than now, and overall rates are still coming down but slowly and bumpily.”

On the relaxation of restrictions, he added: “It is important to emphasise that it is an end to the behaviour changes so we still need to follow the precautions where possible as we are not out of the woods today and the pandemic won’t move on and we will be living with Covid over the next couple of years.

“We have a public health role as we emerge from the restrictions and our core role will be ongoing surveillance, community testing, local contact tracing including enhanced tracing which is working really well and supporting self-isolation, and to control outbreaks where they occur.

He added: “Last year we saw little evidence of transmission of the disease in outdoor settings so even if there is the usual or enhanced number of visitors, it won’t pose an increased risk based on what happened last year.”

Answering questions on the upcoming local elections, Dr Norrey said they are confident that they would run smoothly, although that there were still a few isolated issues to sort out, including that one of the proposed centres for the count is being used as a vaccination centre, and that one district may be counting on the Saturday, rather than the Friday, which could delay the result.

Cllr Alistair Dewhirst, chairman of the committee, in a message to those planning to visit Devon in the summer, added: “We will have a fantastic summer for business, but while some places may be pretty busy, other places may be as quiet as you imagine Devon to be.”

Jackie Weaver has joined critics of a government move to end virtual council meetings in England from May.

By Jennifer Scott www.bbc.co.uk

Minister Luke Hall has written to local authorities saying the government is under too much pressure to fit in legislation to allow them to continue.

Ms Weaver, who rose to fame after a meeting of Handforth Parish Council went viral, said it would be “dreadful” to bring them to an end.

The Local Government Association also called for the decision to be reversed.

Chair of the organisation, Councillor James Jamieson, said reintroducing face-to-face meetings “could easily involve up to 200 people in one room, even before adding in members of the public and reporters” – so their return would pose a “significant challenge” to councils to make them Covid-secure.

Lawyers in local government, along with Hertfordshire County Council, have now made an application to the courts to declare authorities already have the powers needed to hold online meetings.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said it had asked councils to share their experiences of remote meetings, saying they will use the evidence “to inform any potential future legislation regarding their use beyond the pandemic”.

Like many other organisations, local councils were forced to go online in 2020 due to the pandemic and restrictions on public meetings.

Emergency legislation was passed in the Commons to give them the power to do business over video conferencing tools, but the temporary law is due to run out the day after the local elections on 6 May.

In his letter, Mr Hall – the minister for regional growth and local government – praised the efforts of local authorities in England, saying they had “risen magnificently to the challenges of this period”.

But he said extending virtual meetings past May would involved primary legislation in the Commons, which would have a “significant impact… on the government’s legislative programme, which is already under severe pressure in these unprecedented times”.

media captionViral moments like this Handforth Parish Council meeting could come to an end – but there are more serious reasons for concern too

Mrs Weaver – the chief officer of the Cheshire Association of Local Councils – told BBC Radio Derby it would be “dreadful” to bring virtual meetings to an end.

She added: “I think all the evidence is out there to show that actually Zoom has done more… [and] has been instrumental in getting people involved.

“We can see it in the figures [with] people turning up. We are seeing it in the people that are showing interest in elections.

“I am not saying all council meetings should be held virtually and I know a lot of my councils are keen to get back to face-to-face meetings, but it would be so helpful, so valuable to be able to hold Zoom meetings.”

Mr Jamieson agreed the move risked “damaging the gains seen in public participation in remote council meetings during the pandemic and our vital local democratic process”.

He also pointed to the imbalance when it came to the rules in Westminster.

“MPs will retain the right to participate remotely until at least 21 June, but the powers-that-be in the House of Commons will not make time available to legislate for councillors to do the same,” he added.

The County Councils Network said the government’s decision was “deeply disappointing, considering the success of remote meetings”.

Its chairman, Councillor David Williams, said he had concerns over whether face-to-face council meetings could be done safely, adding: “The decision is illogical when you bear in mind the government’s own guidance stipulates that indoor events cannot be organised until 17 May at the earliest.”

‘Consider permanent option’

Asked for a response to the criticism, the ministry sent a statement from Mr Hall, who said: “Councils continue to play a vital role in our response to the pandemic and I am grateful for how they have used emergency powers introduced a year ago to continue to operate at a difficult time.

“As the vaccine roll-out continues and restrictions are lifted, councils holding face-to-face meetings from 7 May are being given the support and guidance they need to do so in a safe and secure way.”

He added: “I am keen to hear from councils and local residents about their experiences of virtual meetings so that we can properly consider whether to make these a permanent option.”

The Council Chamber in Blackdown House is long and narrow – so Owl wonders whether the only way to achieve social distancing is to put the Tories in an ante-chamber somewhere? In 2019 the opposition was relegated to the back row anyway from where it is quite hard to engage effectively with the meeting. Do we count this as an “Own Goal”?

Here is the view of Tim Todd in his June 2019 FOI entitled: “What thought went into the design of the debating chamber at the new EDDC HQ and its suitability for participation by the public?”

Along with a fair number of members of the public, I attended the first council meeting under the new intake of councillors in May. Even arriving early I found that there was no room to accommodate me and a number of other members of the public, we had to use a less than satisfactory gallery with a restricted view of the participants. We also had to put up with broadcast information and missed out on all that was said when speakers forgot to use the microphones. Being quite separate from councillors and others, we were not readily able to have conversations with others on matters that may have been relevant and could have been raised by our representatives.

I gather from some in the small chamber downstairs, and from social media, that many were less than impressed and some felt the design and construction did not give due weight to public engagement in council matters in their public meetings, that the council has failed in its duty to provide adequate facilities or encourage participation.

Jackie Weaver’s view on abandoning virtual meetings is posted separately.

Daniel Clark www.devonlive.com 

Legislation that has allowed councils and local authorities to meet virtually during the last year throughout the coronavirus pandemic will not be extended.

Last April, the Government introduced emergency legislation to relax the requirement for local authorities to hold public meetings in person, with the regulations applying to all meetings taking place before May 7, 2021.

But on Thursday night, it was confirmed the Government have decided that it is not possible to bring forward emergency legislation on this issue and that the successful rollout of the vaccine and the reduction in cases of Covid-19 should result in a significant reduction in risk for local authority members meeting in person from May 7.

It means that from May 7 onwards, all councils – from Devon County down to the parish councils – will have to resume meetings in person, and also applies to the Dartmoor and Exmoor National Park Authorities, the Devon and Somerset Fire Authority, as well as the Police and Crime Panel.

Councils though are being encouraged to continue to live stream the meetings to meet the legal obligation to ensure that the members of the public and press can access the meeting without having to physically attend.

Luke Hall MP, Minister of State for Regional Growth and Local Government, in his letter to councils, said: “Extending the regulations to meetings beyond May 7 would require primary legislation. The Government has considered the case for legislation very carefully, including the significant impact it would have on the Government’s legislative programme which is already under severe pressure in these unprecedented times.

“We are also mindful of the excellent progress that has been made on our vaccination programme and the announcement of the Government’s roadmap for lifting Covid-19 restrictions. Given this context, the Government has concluded that it is not possible to bring forward emergency legislation on this issue at this time.

“As outlined in the Government’s Spring 2021 Covid-19 Response, our aim is for everyone aged 50 and over and people with underlying health conditions to have been offered a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine by April 15, and a second dose by mid-July.

“While local authorities have been able to hold meetings in person at any time during the pandemic with appropriate measures in place, the successful rollout of the vaccine and the reduction in cases of Covid-19 should result in a significant reduction in risk for local authority members meeting in person from May 7, as reflected in the Government’s plan to ease Covid-19 restrictions over the coming months.”

Mr Hall said that he recognised there may be concerns about holding face-to-face meetings, but that ‘ultimately it is for local authorities to apply the Covid-19 guidance to ensure meetings take place safely’.

He added: “If your council is concerned about holding physical meetings you may want to consider resuming these after May 17, at which point it is anticipated that a much greater range of indoor activity can resume in line with the roadmap, such as allowing up to 1,000 people to attend performances or sporting events in indoor venues, or up to half-capacity (whichever is lower).

“While you do have a legal obligation to ensure that the members of the public can access most of your meetings, I would encourage you to continue to provide remote access to minimise the need for the public to attend meetings physically until at least June 21, at which point it is anticipated that all restrictions on indoor gatherings will have been lifted in line with the Roadmap.”

But responding to the announcement that emergency legislation allowing virtual council meetings will not be extended, Cllr James Jamieson, chairman of the Local Government Association, said: “This decision is extremely disappointing. The Government’s own roadmap out of lockdown states that indoor gatherings or events – organised by a business, charity, public body or similar organisation – cannot be organised until May 17 at the earliest. Yet councils will be unable to hold remote meetings from May 7.

“MPs will retain the right to participate remotely until at least June 21 but the powers-that-be in the House of Commons will not make time available to legislate for councillors to do the same.

“The case is clear for the ability for councils to continue to be able to hold meetings flexibly. We urge the Government to reverse this decision and not force councils to have to hold Covid-19 secure face-to-face council meetings until all restrictions are lifted.

“Holding face to face council meetings, with supporting staff, could easily involve up to 200 people in one room even before adding in members of the public and reporters.

“This is likely to be a significant challenge with councils, for example, having to source larger venues in order to be able to host meetings with social distancing measures in place, such as full council meetings which will need to be held following the May local elections.

“This also risks damaging the gains seen in public participation in remote council meetings during the pandemic and our vital local democratic process.

“Left with no choice, Lawyers in Local Government, the Association of Democratic Services and Hertfordshire County Council have made an application to the Courts to declare that councils already have the powers needed to hold online meetings. The LGA will be providing support in these proceedings as the representative body for councils.”

Mr Hall said that councils who are not subject to elections could consider conducting their annual meetings prior to May 7, and therefore do so remotely while the express provision in current regulations apply, but for councils were elections are taking place, this is not possible, and after a new elections, an annual council meeting has to take place within 21 days of the election, so Devon County Council will have to allow 60 councillors to meet in person.

A Devon County Council spokesman said: “This decision presents all local authorities with a complex challenge in deciding how best to hold face-to face council meetings safely after May 7.

“We will be looking very carefully at the detail of the new guidance before considering the best approach for the County Council.”

From EDA press release:

Three Independent candidates supported by the East Devon Alliance (EDA) will be standing for Devon County Council on May 6th. The Independent alliance has decided to concentrate its efforts in the divisions where it won or came a strong second in the last County elections in 2017.

In AXMINSTER, PAUL HAYWARD, who is deputy leader and economy portfolio holder at EDDC, will be standing. Paul came a close second in the last County election and says, ‘Axminster is tired of waiting for better times. We need action on potholes now. We need better healthcare provision now. We need a solution to our traffic and speeding problems now. Our residents need better and faster broadband now. On May 6th, if elected, I will start to deliver the change Axminster needs and deserves.’

In the Seaton and Colyton division, the current County Councillor, MARTIN SHAW, is standing again. He says, ‘My battle to secure the future of Seaton Hospital is only half-won, and I still have a huge amount of work to do, to help improve our environment, extend the Stop Line Way cycle route, achieve 20 mph limits in our town and village centres, and repair our rural roads. I am looking forward to another term if the voters agree.’

In Sidmouth, where EDA also came a close second last time, the Independent candidate will be LOUISE MACALLISTER, a project manager at Devon Communities Together who has worked on many projects in East Devon, including Sidmouth. She says, ‘As a passionate environmentalist, I am keen to enhance and protect Sidmouth’s natural assets and flood resilience. If elected, I look forward to working with the community to tackle issues with highways, traffic, and public transport, and ensure our NHS services and education provision are maintained and improved.’

In addition to its strong performance in these areas in the last County elections, the East Devon Alliance has 13 councillors on EDDC and its leader, Paul Arnott, is Leader of the Council.

[Owl draws attention to the trends. In the 2015 District elections there were 10 EDA councillors a net gain of 7. In 2019 this rose to 13 despite Cllr Ben Ingham’s double defection to “Independent” now “Conservative” and Cllr Megan Armstrong campaigning as one of Ingham’s “Indys” though now part of the “Independent Progressive” grouping working with the coalition. As mentioned in the press release EDA currently have only 1 County Councillor but are campaigning in two more divisions where they came a strong second.]

More than 40,600 people have been likely infected with coronavirus while being treated in hospital in England for another reason, raising concerns about the NHS’s inability to protect them.

Caelainn Barr www.theguardian.com

In one in five hospitals at least a fifth of all patients found to have the virus caught it while an inpatient. North Devon district hospital in Barnstaple had the highest rate of such cases among acute trusts in England at 31%.

NHS England figures also reveal stark regional differences in patients’ risk of catching the virus that causes Covid-19 during their stay. Just under a fifth (19%) of those in hospital in the north-west became infected while an inpatient, almost double the 11% rate in London hospitals.

Hull University teaching hospitals trust and Lancashire teaching hospitals trust had the joint second highest rate of patients – 28% – who became infected while under their care. The former has had 626 such cases while the latter has had 486. However, the big differences in hospitals’ size and the number of patients they admit mean that the rate of hospital-acquired infection is a more accurate reflection of the success of their efforts to stop transmission of the potentially lethal virus.

The trusts with the next highest rates were Stockport (28% – 386 cases), Brighton (367 cases – 27%) and James Paget in Norfolk (27% – 319 cases). At least one in four of all patients with the virus in hospital became infected at 10 of England’s 127 acute trusts.

Across England as a whole one in seven (15%) of all patients treated for the virus between 1 August 2020 and 21 March got it while in hospital.

The data shows that hospitals in England estimate a total of 40,670 people probably caught coronavirus while in hospital in their care during that time.

Doctors and hospitals claim that many of the infections were caused by the NHS’s lack of beds and limitations posed by some hospitals being old, cramped and poorly ventilated, as well as health service bosses’ decision that hospitals should keep providing normal care while the second wave of Covid was unfolding, despite the potential danger to those receiving non-Covid care.

“These heartbreaking figures show how patients and NHS staff have been abysmally let down by the failure to suppress the virus ahead of and during the second wave,” said Layla Moran MP, the chair of the all-party parliamentary group on coronavirus.

 Doctors and hospitals say many infections were caused by the NHS’s lack of beds, old hospital buildings and the decision to run normal services during the second wave. Photograph: Hannah McKay/PA

“It is simply staggering that one in seven hospital patients who developed Covid-19 caught the virus while being treated for another illness. This analysis also reveals deeply alarming regional disparities, with rates of hospital-acquired Covid in the north-west almost twice those in London.”

NHS England does not publish figures showing how many of those deemed likely to have caught coronavirus as an inpatient later died. But experts in hospital-acquired infection pointed out that many of those being admitted for other reasons – such as an operation or after a fall or flare-up of an existing medical problem – are frail and vulnerable and have underlying poor health, so would be more likely to die if they did get Covid.

“It is impossible to eliminate the risks of nosocomial infection, but the huge drive to run parallel Covid and non-Covid care since the summer has inevitably heightened those risks,” said Dr Claudia Paoloni, the president of the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association.

“Due to years of systemic understaffing and a cost-cutting approach to new hospital design we have far fewer beds available than our European counterparts, which has made it harder to separate out cases and led to an increase in the chances of hospital-acquired infection. Tragically, people will have caught Covid and inevitably died as a result of this shortsightedness.”

NHS staff need proper personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus at work, especially FFP3 masks rather than just surgical masks, as the former are better at limiting the spread of the new variants of coronavirus, she added.

Stopping the spread of coronavirus in hospitals has been a key priority for hospitals internationally during the pandemic. The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch watchdog published a report last year which criticised the NHS in England’s track record. Recent research by Public Health England found that 15.5% of all cases of Covid among hospitalised patients had either probably or definitely occurred while they were in hospital.

Three small single-hospital trusts in London have had some of the lowest rates of nosocomial infection in England among acute trusts. Thirteen people since August have caught coronavirus while an inpatient at the Whittington hospital, giving it a rate of just 1%. The North Middlesex and Homerton hospitals have had 66 and 47 such cases respectively, so the rate at each was 4%, the NHS figures show.

Dr Rob Harwood, chair of the British Medical Association’s consultants committee, said: “The NHS went into the current pandemic underfunded, understaffed and overstretched. The knock-on effects – particularly limited bed and workforce capacity – has unfortunately meant that controlling the spread of Covid-19 within hospitals has been more difficult than necessary.”

University hospitals Birmingham trust has had the most cases since August – 1,185. But its size means that those cases represent a rate of 14%, just below the national average of 15%.

Northern Devon healthcare trust said: “We acted quickly to put in place enhanced infection prevention and control measures when needed, including increased inpatient testing to identify any patients with no symptoms.”

A spokeswoman for the Hull trust cited high local rates of infecton and added: “We are taking all possible steps to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections, given the constraints placed upon us by our ageing estate, including the creation of ‘pods’ with floor-to-ceiling partitions, the removal of beds to reduce the risk of transmission, the isolation of patients with the virus and a regular testing regime.”

Lancashire teaching hospitals trust said that it had had a spate of nosocomial infections in November and December when it was very busy and that had led to an increased risk of hospital-acquired infection and affected its average over the year. “We also have an old estate which limits the opportunities for ventilated space,” a spokesman added.

NHS England insisted that the real rate of hospital-acquired coronavirus is 4.5%, not 15%, and blamed high rates of infection in the population. Its statement was based only on cases regarded as “definite” because the person tested positive on or after the 15th day after their admission.

An NHS spokesperson said: “The Office for National Statistics and other data conclusively demonstrate that the root cause of rising infection rates in hospitals is rising rates in the community.

“Since asymptomatic tests kits were made available for the first time by the government’s test-and-trace programme in November, millions of staff have been tested helping to keep infections as low as possible, and all staff have been asked to rigorously follow PHE’s infection control guidance with hospital infection rates currently standing at around 4.5%.”

On Thursday Sir Simon Stevens, NHS England’s chief executive, recommended that the health service reduce the national alert threat level from Covid from four to three because of the recent big fall in the number of people in hospital with the disease. UK hospitals are now looking after 5,407 such patients, a fraction of the 39,249 they were treating on 18 January, at the peak of the pandemic’s second wave.

• This article was amended on 26 March 2021 to correct the spelling of Barnstaple.

A radical plan to bring Devon’s school improvement services and support for special needs children back in-house has been agreed. 

Does this count as a U-Turn in DCC? – Owl

Daniel Clark Local Democracy Reporter www.exmouthjournal.co.uk

Devon County Council’s cabinet unanimously backed the plans at their meeting on Wednesday (March 10) which entails the authority taking responsibility for some 200 staff when its current contract with providers Babcock ends. The contract is worth £8.8 million a year. 

The meeting heard that one of the key aims of the move is to integrate all Devon’s support for children in the county with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and that bringing the service in-house will achieve a much more seamless offer across Devon. 

The decision in response to the national reforms that were introduced in 2014 that required much closer cooperation between education, health and social care providers. 

And it aims to address some of the issues that have led to the council’s children’s services being found inadequate by Ofsted. 

Devon County Council deputy leader and cabinet member for children’s services, Cllr James McInnes, said: “Bringing all these services back under one roof will mean we can offer a much better package of integrated help and support for these vulnerable children and their families in a one-stop shop. 

“This doesn’t imply any criticism of the work that Babcock has done which is much valued and which has achieved good outcomes for children. 

“Indeed successive annual reports have demonstrated the significant positive impact the services have on children in Devon. 

“But these services were outsourced in 2012 and the national picture has changed dramatically since the national reforms of 2014. 

“When we came to review our services and the current contract, it became clear that it made sense to integrate all our help for children with special needs. 

“We looked at whether private companies would want to bid to provide our school improvement services in the future but in the end it seemed more sensible to bring them all back in-house.” 

The SEND services include education psychology, early years support and advice, children missing education, physical and sensory support, social, emotional and mental health, communication and interaction and multi-sensory impairment which is currently under a separate contract. 

The other services which are currently out-sourced are: teaching, curriculum and learning advisory support, governance, school improvement and quality assurance, education safeguarding, elective home education support and monitoring, English as an additional language and the education welfare service. 

Devon’s chief officer for children’s services, Melissa Caslake, added: “There is a strong, partnership-wide commitment to develop a truly transformative SEND service where education, health and care work as one team. 

“Parents have told us we need to meet the needs of children with SEND earlier and better and improve access to and coordination of support. 

“We have excellent inclusion opportunities for children with SEND in Devon with 57 per cent of statutory school age children with education, health and care plans accessing mainstream education. That is 14 per cent above the national average. 

“We are committed to improving and securing the best long term futures for our children with additional needs and integrating these services will help us to achieve this.” 

Cllr Rob Hannaford, leader of the Labour group, said: “This is a good move and one I support as it is a better opportunity to lead and develop to changes. Getting this right is key to turning children’s’ services around.” 

Cllr Alan Connett, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, added: “I welcome the broad direction of travel and huge synergies that can be achieved by bringing the service in house, and doing the right thing for the children of Devon is the most important thing for all us of.  

“After seven years of Ofsted finding the service inadequate, if this step does anything to help improve that, then it is very much to be welcomed.” 

Leader of the council, Cllr John Hart, added: “This one decision which will have a fundamental effect on children’s services.” 

Exmouth’s only nightclub has permanently closed

Chloe Parkman www.devonlive.com 

Exmouth’s only nightclub – Popworld – has closed permanently, it has been confirmed.

Stonegate pub company has confirmed that the nightclub will not be reopening at all after lockdown.

Back in 2019, Devon Live reported that Popworld took over from Fever, Boutique and Kukui – it’s last remaining nightclub in East Devon.

A spokesperson for Stonegate Group said: “We can confirm that our lease at Popworld in Exmouth has come to an end, so unfortunately, it will not reopen after lockdown.

“However, Popworld in Plymouth will reopen on 21 June, in line with government restrictions, and we are looking forward to throwing our customers a Popworld Party once more.”

In August, Devon Live reported that following the lockdown Popworld in Exmouth reopened with strict social distancing measures.

According to the PM’s roadmap out of lockdown, from June 21 at the earliest, all remaining restrictions on social contact could be lifted, larger events can go ahead and nightclubs could finally reopen.

Go online to select a nation, region, or parliamentary constituency to see that area’s Financial Vulnerability Index score and the six component measures that make up that score.

apps.urban.org 

A Data Tool for Policymakers

As the United Kingdom deals with the economic effects of COVID-19, policymakers need to know how their constituents are faring. But many measures of financial health are out of date or narrow in scope.

To offer a clearer picture, we created the UK Financial Vulnerability Index using unique consumer data from Lowell and publicly available measures. Use this tool to see how financial vulnerability has changed since 2017 and where resources could be targeted to improve financial resilience.

“This is a government which appears to have even outsourced itself!”

Paul Waugh www.huffingtonpost.co.uk 

The Cabinet Office has vowed to investigate HuffPost UK revelations that private consultants Deloitte are being paid to draft ministers’ parliamentary answers about Test and Trace.

Minister for implementation Julia Lopez told the Commons she would look into the issue after Labour jibed that £323m contracts with the company showed “this is a government which appears to have even outsourced itself”.

HuffPost UK revealed on Wednesday that the small print of contracts between Deloitte and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) included a requirement to “draft and respond to parliamentary questions, Freedom of Information requests, media queries and other reactive requests”.

Civil service union chiefs and transparency campaigners warned that the clause risked undermining Whitehall impartiality and possible conflicts of interest, with outsourcing firms potentially “marking their own homework” in formal replies to MPs’ questions.

Shadow cabinet office minister Fleur Anderson raised the issue in the Commons on Thursday, declaring that since the start of the pandemic ministers had relied on a “centralised, privatised” approach to contact tracing that gave millions of taxpayers’ cash to a handful of large companies.

“Last night, we learned that as well as paying Deloitte £323m for their role in the Test and Trace system, they are even paid to draft government ministers’ parliamentary answers, defending the indefensible,” Anderson said.

“This is a government which appears to have even outsourced itself! What will the minister do to end this practice – or do I need to write to Deloitte to find out?”

In reply, Lopez said: “I thank her for highlighting that interesting piece of information to me.

“I’m very happy to look into this idea that consultants are drafting responses for ministers, it’s not something I’m aware of.”

“I appreciate the concerns that have been raised about the use of consultants and in relation to some of the work that’s been done during the pandemic we had to surge our capacity very quickly. But I appreciate the concerns have been raised about the cost of contracting.”

Green party MP Caroline Lucas ridiculed the practice by tweeting a new parliamentary question referencing Deloitte.

DHSC officials revealed earlier this year that 900 of Deloitte’s consultants were currently being used at a pay rate of £1,000 a day, equivalent to nearly £1m every day.

Government documents show that Deloitte has been awarded four different contracts worth £323m to support Test and Trace, the controversial service run by Tory peer Dido Harding. The most recent is for £122m, and runs from February this year until September.

Two of the contracts have a clause that specifies a role for the firm in “communications” on so-called Pillar 4 of the testing programme, which covers blood and swab testing for national surveillance on the prevalence and spread of the virus, as well as the accuracy of home testing.

Boris Johnson defended the £37bn allocated to Test and Trace claiming it was “a very valuable thing” that enabled ministers to understand the pandemic in a “very granular way”.

But the service has been dogged with criticism, with the National Audit Office and the Public Accounts Committee highlighting its use of outsourced private firms, consultants being paid £1,000 a day and poor performance on contact tracing and testing turnaround times.

Earlier this year, Harding defended the use of consultants needed to build the testing programme from scratch last May, claiming that their use would be phased out and their skills transferred to civil servants in coming months.

Gemma Abbott, legal director of the Good Law Project, told HuffPost UK: “We have a government so addicted to outsourcing that it has even outsourced being held to account.

“If a member of the public submits an FOI request, or an MP asks a parliamentary question about the government spending millions on contracts with Deloitte, it seems that it’s Deloitte at the other end marking its own homework – it is beyond parody.

“Does anyone know where the Department for Deloitte ends and the Department for Health begins?”

In a late night response on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the DHSC did not deny the contracts specified support for drafting parliamentary questions but suggested the ultimate responsibility lay with the civil service and ministers.

“The government employs contractors in the same vein that private businesses do and responsibility for answering parliamentary questions, freedom of information requests and media enquiries rests firmly with a team of civil service communications professionals within the Department of Health and Social Care,” they said.

“Every single response is subject to the highest levels of scrutiny to ensure they are both factual and detailed.”

In her evidence to the Public Accounts Committee earlier this year Harding defended the use of consultants. “I think it is appropriate to build a service in extreme emergency circumstances using short-term contingent labour and consultants for some of those roles,” she said.

“I think they’ve done very important work alongside the public servants, the military, the healthcare professionals and members of the private sector who have come and joined us as well. We couldn’t have built the service without all of that combined expertise.”

Later in the House of Lords, two peers – Green party peer Baroness Bennett and shadow minister Baroness Thornton – raised the Deloitte issue.

“The news today does not bode well when we hear from HuffPost that private firm Deloitte has been receiving taxpayer cash to help ministers draft parliamentary answers and media lines to take to defend Test and Trace,” Thornton said.

“Which raises two questions. It is, I always thought, at the heart of an official’s job to help ministers to be accountable to parliament in a truthful manner. And is it not like marking your own homework if Deloitte’s are receiving taxpayers’ money to answer those questions?”

Police have confirmed that two members of staff at a Sidmouth care home have been arrested following a major Covid-19 outbreak resulting in the deaths of nine residents.

Anita Merritt www.devonlive.com 

A 57-year-old woman from Sidmouth and a 30-year-old man from Exeter have been arrested under suspicion of wilful neglect at Holmesley Care Home.

There have been nine deaths at the home since February 25, which are all believed to be related to the outbreak.

No other arrests are currently planned by police in relation to the ongoing enquiry.

The investigation is currently being led by Devon and Cornwall Police in partnership with a multi-agency safeguarding response in order to maintain safeguarding of those residents in the home.

As part of the police investigation, officers have been speaking to staff and conducted a search of the home.

Police previously confirmed the investigation was focusing on infection control and management within the home. It has not been related in any way to the vaccination of residents.

An inspection was carried out at the care home last month after concerns were raised with health and social care regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The outcome of its inspection is yet to be published.

Residents and staff had already received their first vaccination, and were reportedly due their second vaccination this weekend. It is the first Covid outbreak at the home.

The care home had 42 residents living there in September 2020, when it was inspected by the CQC. It received a focused but not full inspection, and was rated good for being safe and well-led.

It was the first inspection of the service since it was newly registered in August 2019. People living in the home, staff and most relatives praised the provider and management team for the improvements they had made.

They won’t challenge one another

Voters in the forthcoming Exeter City Council elections won’t be able to choose between Liberal Democrats or Green Party candidates in six areas after the two groups agreed not to stand against one another. 

Paul Nero www.radioexe.co.uk 

Elections for many seats on the city council are to be contested on Thursday 6 May. Right now, Exeter has two Lib Dems and one Green member, who together with a single independent councillor form a Gang of Four they call the Progressive Group.

Now the two parties have decided the best way to try to get more councillors elected is not to offer a choice to many of the electorate. It’s a tactic they hope will help them overtake the Conservatives to become the key opposition party on the council.

The Green Party will field candidates uncontested by a Liberal Democrat candidate in St David’s, Heavitree and Newtown and St Leonards wards. The Liberal Democrats will field candidates uncontested by the Green Party in Duryard and St James, Pennsylvania and St Thomas wards.

Councillor Diana Moore, for the Greens said: “The Progressive Group has proven that councillors from different parties and independents can work cooperatively together. We have worked hard to scrutinise the ruling Labour group and hold them to account.

“It is in the interests of the city, Exeter residents and the environment that we increase the number of Progressive Group councillors on Exeter City Council to provide a strong voice for local residents.”

The Lib Dems claim the Conservatives on the council don’t offer opposition to the Labour administration or challenge its policies. Liberal Democrat Councillor Kevin Mitchell, who leads the Progressive Group on the council said:  “The people of Exeter don’t want a one-party state they want a council that represents a variety of opinions and one that consults and listens to the variety of communities that make up contemporary Exeter.”

It could be argued the decision not to put up Green Party and Lib Democrat candidates is likely to reduce the variety of opinions that voters can select, but Exeter Liberal Democrats chairperson Cllr Michael Mitchell says their agreement offers voters the opportunity to ensure an effective opposition on the council.

They’re concerned that the Labour-controlled council has created too many non-accountable bodies. 

The pact doesn’t affect Devon County Council elections, which are on the same day. Both parties will field candidates in all areas in those elections on 6 May, so all voters will have the opportunity to vote for one of them.

Are you politically neutral, tactful, have respect for others and can consider complex information?

Full list of allocations under the “Welcome Back” fund can be found here. 

As for the “levelling up” fund – East Devon is in the bottom category 3. In this category “bids will still be considered for funding on their merits of deliverability, value for money and strategic fit, and could still be successful if they are of exceptionally high quality.”

Philippa Davies sidmouth.nub.news 

The Government has announced that East Devon District Council will receive £230,991 to prepare town centres and seaside resorts for the safe return of shoppers and tourists this summer.

It’s part of the Government’s £56 million Welcome Back Fund, being distributed to local authorities across England.

The money can be used to provide or improve outdoor areas for socialising, smarten up the streets and organise events such as festivals and markets to support local businesses.

The councils can also use any amount of the funding they receive to put together a bid for up to £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund, to regenerate and improve town centres in their areas.

The Government’s website providing guidance on applying for money from the Levelling Up Fund indicates that council areas have been put into priority categories graded 1, 2 or 3, with category 1 ‘representing places with the highest levels of identified need’.

East Devon is in category 3.

The website says: “While preference will be given to bids from higher priority areas, the bandings do not represent eligibility criteria, nor the amount or number of bids a place can submit.

“Bids from categories 2 and 3 will still be considered for funding on their merits of deliverability, value for money and strategic fit, and could still be successful if they are of exceptionally high quality.”

When is a “nightclub” not a nightclub? – Owl

Daniel Clark www.devonlive.com 

Exmouth’s new waterfront beach bar and restaurant ‘won’t be a nightclub’ developers have confirmed – after fears were raised following their licensing application.

Mickey’s Beach Bar & Restaurant, which will be run by celebrity chef Michael Caines, has asked for a premises licence until 2.30am every day.

It had raised some concerns that they were planning to turn it into a nightclub, but developers Grenadier have confirmed that this is not the case.

A spokesman said: “I can confirm that this will not be a nightclub, it will be a restaurant and bar as outlined in past communications. Michael and his team are working closely with local authorities, including East Devon District Council, the police force, and Fire Brigade, to ensure they align with any noise limitations.”

The licensing application, submitted to East Devon District Council, asks for permission for live music until 11pm, recorded music until 2am, and the supply of alcohol until 11pm outside and 2am inside.

Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant will run alongside Sylvain Peltier and Michael’s Café Patisserie Glacerie as part of the Exmouth seafront regeneration project.

The project will incorporate a casual bar complete with resident weekend DJs, first floor destination restaurant with a glasshouse and outdoor terraces alongside neighbouring Café Patisserie Glacerie which will serve serve artisan pastries and ice-creams.

The opening hours will change with the seasons. Summer will see Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week across each of the various outlets.

During the cooler months, breakfast will be served on weekends only with lunch and dinner available daily throughout the week.

Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant in Exmouth

Mr Caines had previously said: “Mickeys will be a place to celebrate, to unwind, to pop-in for a takeaway or stay late into the night, underpinned by warm hospitality and excellent food.

“It is a space for the local community and beyond, above all its place of fun. I’m incredibly excited to be able to share more over the coming months as we approach the opening.”

Along with the bar and restaurant, and the new Watersports centre at Exmouth, Grenadier is building a new £175,000 ramp to provide visitors with immediate and easy access from the walkway above to the beach.

The ramp, which will be made from a mixture of sustainable FSC-certified timber, concrete, and steel, will be installed in front of the Sideshore development.

Currently there are various stairways from the walkway onto the beach, but the new ramp will enable all visitors to access the beach step-free and provide visitors with limited ability or those carrying sports equipment to access the beach safely and with ease.

At 3-metres wide and 25 meters in length, the ramp will provide much-needed access to the beach for those who may currently struggle to use the staircases. Sideshore itself has disability access to ensure as many visitors to the centre as possible can access the new space safely.

Construction work for the new ramp is scheduled to commence on May 4, and is expected to be completed before the end of June 2021. The timing of the construction of the ramp is important as to not disturb migratory birds over-wintering in the local area.

During the works, a small, contained area of the beach and walkway will be separated from the public with access to the beach still permitted via the existing staircases. The cycle route beside the beach promenade will be redirected around the back of Sideshore, and pedestrians will be provided direct access across the promenade through Sideshore, safely away from construction.

Aiden Johnson-Hugill, Property Director, Grenadier, added: “The new ramp is a great investment for Exmouth as it will provide safe, easy, and step-free access to the beach for visitors.”

Voters will go to the polls across Devon on May 6 after the notice of elections have been published.

Owl believes that the “Purdah” (pre-election period)  should start now.

Daniel Clark www.devonlive.com 

The Government had previously confirmed that the May 6 elections would be going ahead as scheduled, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

And now, with the notice of elections published, the full list of what residents across the county will be asked to cast their vote for – subject to candidates standing – can be revealed.

Elections will take place for all 60 seats on Devon County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner, he delayed 2020 local elections in Exeter and Plymouth, by-elections in East Devon, South Hams, Mid Devon, Torbay and Exeter, Neighbourhood Plan referendums, and for various vacant parish and town council seats.

If any election is contested the poll will take place on Thursday, May 6, 2021.

For anyone wishing to stand, nomination papers must be delivered by hand to the Deputy Returning Officer for the relevant Council area no later than 4pm on Thursday, April 8, 2021.

The publication of statement of persons nominated for any elections that are to be contested will be published no later than 4pm on Friday, April 9, 2021.

Below is a list of all the elections that will take place, subject to multiple candidates standing.

DEVON, CORNWALL AND THE ISLES OF SCILLY

Everyone in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will also have the chance to elect a Police and Crime Commissioner for the region.

That election will take place on Thursday, May 6, and Alison Hernandez, the incumbent, has already been re-selected as the Conservative candidate to continue in her post.

The election Police and Crime Commissioner for the region would normally serve a four year term, but will instead only serve a three year term to ensure the return to the usual electoral cycle.

DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL

Everyone in Devon also have the chance to elect their representative(s) for Devon County Council for the next four years.

The 2021 Devon County Council elections scheduled for Thursday, May 6, 2021, will take place as usual.

The entirety of the 60-strong council will be up for re-election, with 56 ‘single-member’ Electoral Divisions and 2 ‘two-member’ Divisions’.

The current composition of the council consists of 42 Conservatives, 7 Labour, 6 Liberal Democrats, 2 Independents, 1 Green Party, 1 East Devon Alliance and 1 North Devon Liberal.

All elected councillors will serve their usual four year term upon their election.

The seats that will be contested are:

Axminster (1 vacancy)

Broadclyst (2)

Exmouth (2)

Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton Coastal (2)

Feniton and Honiton (1)

Otter Valley (1)

Seaton and Colyton (1)

Sidmouth (1)

Whimple and Blackdown (1)

Alphinton and Cowick (1)

Duryard and Pennsylvania (1)

Exwick and St Thomas (1)

Heavitree and Whipton Barton (1)

Pinhoe and Mincinglake (1)

St David’s and Haven Banks (1)

St Sidwell’s and St James (1)

Wearside and Topsham (1)

Wonford and St Loyes (1)

Crediton (1)

Creedy, Taw and Mid Exe (1)

Cullompton and Bradninch (1)

Tiverton East (1)

Tiverton West (1)

Willand and Uffculme (1)

Barnstaple North (1)

Barnstaple South (1)

Braunton Rural (1)

Chulmleigh and Landkey (1)

Combe Martin Rural (1)

Fremington Rural (1)

Ilfracombe (1)

South Molton (1)

Bickleigh and Wembury (1)

Dartmouth and Marldon (1)

Ivybridge (1)

Kingsbridge (1)

Salcombe (1)

South Brent and Yealmpton (1)

Totnes and Dartington (1)

Ashburton and Buckfastleigh (1)

Bovey Rural (1)

Chudleigh and Teign Valley (1)

Dawlish (1)

Exminster and Haldon (1)

Ipplepen and The Kerswells (1)

Kingsteignton and Teign Estuary (1)

Newton Abbot North (1)

Newton Abbot South (1)

Teignmouth (1)

Bideford East (1)

Bideford West and Hartland (1)

Holsworthy Rural (1)

Northam (1)

Torrington Rural (1)

Hatherleigh and Chagford (1)

Okehampton Rural (1)

Tavistock (1)

Yelverton Rural (1)

EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL

A by-election will take place in the Whimple & Rockbeare Ward on May 6 following the resignation of Cllr Kathy McLachlan.

The current composition of the council is Conservative (20), East Devon Alliance (13), Independents (16) Liberal Democrats (8), Green Party (2), and one seat vacant, with the council run by a coalition of the EDA, Lib Dems, Greens and some Independents

EXETER CITY COUNCIL

The delayed 2020 Exeter City Council elections due on May 7, 2020 will take place on May 6, 2021.

Each elected councillor would normally be appointed for a four year term, with a third of the 39 seats contested each year (one seat per ward).

The 13 candidates whose seats will be up for grabs are those who gained the most votes in the 2016 elections, with Labour defending 10 seats, the Conservatives two, and Independents one, but the newly elected councillors will instead only serve a three year term to ensure the return to the usual electoral cycle.

Voters in the Mincinglake and Whipton will elected two councillors – with the person receiving the most votes serving a three year term and the runner-up a one year term – with a by-election also taking place following the death of a serving councillor.

The current make-up of the council is Labour (27), Conservative (6), Liberal Democrat (2), Independent (2), Green Party (1), Vacant (1), with Labour needing to win three of the 14 seats up for grabs to retain control of the council.

MID DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL

Three by-elections for seats on Mid Devon District Council will take place on Thursday, May 6, 2021, following the deaths of two serving councillors and the resignation of a third.

Voters in the Castle, Taw and Westexe wards will go to the polls for the by-election, with the winner serving a two year term on the council.

The current composition of the council is Conservative (17), Liberal Democrats (11), Independent (9), Green Party (2), with three vacant seats.

NORTH DEVON COUNCIL

No elections are scheduled to take place

SOUTH HAMS DISTRICT COUNCIL

One by-election for a seat on South Hams District Council will take place on Thursday, May 6, 2021, following the death of a serving councillor.

Voters in the Ivybridge West ward will go to the polls for the by-election, with the winner serving a two year term on the council.

The by-election will determine the official status of the council, with the death of Cllr David May meaning that the Conservative’s majority was lost with the council back under no overall control, although the Conservatives are still the ruling party.

The current composition of the council is Conservatives (15), Liberal Democrats (10), Independent (3), Green (2), and vacant (1)

TEIGNBRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL

No elections are scheduled to take place

TORBAY COUNCIL

One by-election for a seat on Torbay Council will take place on Thursday, May 6, 2021, following the death of a serving councillor.

Voters in the Clifton-with-Maidenway ward will go to the polls for the by-election, with the winner serving a two year term on the council.

The current composition of Torbay Council is Conservative (14), Liberal Democrats (11) and Independents (10), with one seat vacant.

TORRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL

No elections are scheduled to take place

WEST DEVON BOROUGH COUNCIL

No elections are scheduled to take place

TOWN AND PARISH COUNCILS

Colyton (2 vacancies)

Exmouth Town (1)

Exmouth Littleham (1)

Honiton St Michaels (5)

Honiton St Pauls (4)

Lympstone (7)

Newton Poppleford (Harpford) (1)

Sidmouth East (1)

Sidmouth Salcombe Regis (1)

Sidmouth South (2)

Lapford (2)

Tiverton Castle (1)

Tiverton Lowman (2)

Tiverton Westexe (1)

Berrynarbor (1)

Combe Martin (1)

Lynton and Lynmouth (2)

Ilfracombe West (1)

Dartmouth Clifton (5)

Dartmouth Townstal (1)

Modbury (1)

Stoke Gabriel (3)

Marldon (2)

Chudleigh (3)

Newton Abbot Bradley (1)

Teignmouth Central (1)

Teignmouth West (1)

Holsworthy (2)

Lamerton (5)

Sampford Courtenay (2)

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN REFERENDUMS

Farringdon

Otterton

Newton Poppleford

Cullompton

Aveton Gifford

South Huish

Strete

Kingswear

Kingston

Great Torrington

Winkleigh

Highampton

North Tawton

“So why does this have such astonishing viewing figures? I think it is because it addresses the comment I so often hear about many aspects of public life: “It’s all bent isn’t it, but what can you do?”

A view from EDDC Leader, Paul Arnott. Midweek Herald, 24 March

Every time a new series of Line of Duty comes round, someone calls me up and says, “I hadn’t noticed before – he’s called Steve Arnott; same surname as you. What do you think about that?” Actually, it feels a bit odd, and for many reasons.

Firstly, although I have been called Arnott for the last 59 years, it is not the name I was born with; it is my adoptive name. I was actually called Rory Brennan for a month until my adoption was formalised, although I didn’t know that for another 35 years.

So “Arnott” has always felt like a bit of a trading name, so to speak. It is a pretty rare surname too, and if I meet another one they are often quite excited and I feel I disappoint them. There is a family tree for my Arnotts stretching back into deepest Hertfordshire on my dad’s side but in Ireland Brennans spring up all over the country like Smiths here.

My lot are from Counties Carlow and Galway, and the name also turns up as one of Ireland’s leading bread brands. Of more cultural importance, Bishop Brennan is the appalling, fornicating priest in Father Ted who makes Ted and Dougal’s life hell, until they find a videotape of him, his mistress and his son on holiday in California.

The social effect of this depiction of Bishop Brennan in mid-90s Ireland was seismic. It began to loosen the vice-like grip of the priest on the hearts and minds of young Ireland, which has since gone from what was once described as priest-ridden to more or less agnostic – the most free-thinking place in Europe – in under two decades. Meanwhile, to add to the confusion, the greatest department store in Ireland is called Arnotts, who sponsored all the teams my Irish family members have supported all their lives.

Which brings me back to Steve Arnott on Line of Duty, where there is another level of complexity. The brilliant actor playing him, Martin Crompston, actually has a broad Scottish accent, yet his estuary English is impeccable, a truly great performance.

Over the last five series, while Arnott has proved himself to be utterly incorruptible, the pressures upon him have been extraordinary. Quite often, he discovers that the most senior officer in the story is as bent as a nine bob note. Usually, that senior officer knows that Arnott is on to him and does all he can to take him down.

Favoured techniques include either destroying evidence, or presenting it in such an inverted way that Arnott stands accused of the very things the senior officer is guilty of. And of course the senior officer can depend on a shadowy support group of those who have much to lose, including their liberty, if Arnott and his associates cannot be stopped by fair means or foul.

So why does this have such astonishing viewing figures? I think it is because it addresses the comment I so often hear about many aspects of public life: “It’s all bent isn’t it, but what can you do?”

Well, what author Jed Mercurio has done is show that you can stop corruption in any aspect of public life, but this requires three things. First, never back down. Second, know every detail better than the bent senior officer. Third, never take your eye off who else has so much to lose if justice prevails. And perhaps one more, don’t let the ambitious fellow travellers swimming in your wake betting on both sides get you down.

British people get all that; they just hadn’t seen it portrayed so brilliantly in a television drama before. Amazingly, the most popular scenes are the up to half hour long interrogations, with viewers hooked on every fragment of new evidence. With a wised-up population like that there is hope we can rid public life of corruption, wherever we live.

Tens of thousands of second-home owners who falsely register their properties as holiday lets in order to claim tax breaks tax face a clampdown by the taxman.

David Byers, Graeme Paton, www.thetimes.co.uk 

HMRC will tighten rules to force holiday landlords to prove they have made a realistic effort to rent properties out for at least 140 days per year. There are suspicions that many simply declare that they will do this but leave the properties empty.

Declaring a home to be a holiday let means that it is exempt from council tax and owners pay business rates instead. A total of 60,000 properties are registered in this way. However, HMRC says that 57,600 of these properties — or 96 per cent — have been declared as having a rateable value of £12,000 or less, which means they are also exempt from business rates.

In effect, this means that they are getting their rubbish collected and other services provided for free.

In addition, Treasury officials say that some of these owners may have milked the system further by claiming coronavirus support grants of up to £9,000 each to replace lost income; officials suspect that they would never have achieved this income because they had no intention of letting their properties out.

A Treasury source said: “At the moment, the criteria says that all you need to do is say that a property will be rented out for 140 days per year, but someone can say that and not actually be letting the property out.

“Clearly, some will also have claimed coronavirus support but we don’t know how many. We are going to force people to account for the claims they make.”

The Treasury was said to be increasingly concerned about a widespread tax dodge because the number of properties registered as holiday lets has gone up from 47,000 to 60,000 in three years. It will publish full details of the clampdown, and the penalties home-owners face, in the coming weeks.

The announcement made up part of a tranche of Treasury statements and consultation documents to mark what the department has dubbed “tax day”, although they did not declare any new proposals to raise personal taxation.

Nimesh Shah, chief executive of Blick Rothenberg, the accountancy firm, said that the number of coronavirus grant applications would have piqued HMRC’s interest. “I wonder if this measure was brought home by the number of claims that were made,” he said.

Chris Etherington, a partner at RSM, said: “It seems some taxpayers have been taking advantage of the government’s generosity to date. The announcements made today help to ensure that relief from council tax and business rates are targeted at the appropriate recipients — namely those with furnished holiday lets who are genuinely trying to be entrepreneurial and run a business. It’s a sensible step to try and stop a small minority claiming relief when they shouldn’t and welcome news for local authorities who will have a boost to their revenues.”

The Treasury also said that air passenger duty (APD) could rise for flights to far-flung destinations such as Mexico, Japan, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

From April, APD will stand at £13 for economy class short-haul flights, rising to £82 for long-haul travel, which typically includes all destinations outside Europe and North Africa.

However, in a consultation document published today, the Treasury said that it was considering creating a new band for the longest flights — those of 5,500 miles-plus — along with a cheaper rate for UK domestic journeys.

It said that this would “better support the government’s environmental objectives by strengthening the principle that those that fly further incur a higher rate of APD”.

It suggested that the current broad bands failed to properly recognise the level of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released from different flights. A flight from London to Perth releases about 50 per cent more CO₂ than the journey from London to New York, although APD is charged at the same rate.

The report indicated that a new band above the existing £82 rate would cover Mexico and some countries in South America including Peru, Chile and Argentina. In Africa, it would cover flights to South Africa, Mozambique and Madagascar. It would also cover large swathes of East Asia and Australasia, including Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. The suggested new rate is not spelt out.

The consultation also confirmed plans, first raised this month, to cut the short-haul APD rate for domestic flights. It is likely that the existing £13 rate will be halved for flights taking off and landing in UK airports. This is intended to “level up” the economy and generate business for regional airports.

“Domestic air connectivity has an important role to play within this, particularly by linking those areas where road and rail alternatives are not available or take a long time,” it said. The consultation runs until June 15.

Ramp to go in front of ‘Sideshore’ centre

A new access point from the Esplanade to the beach is to be built in Exmouth.

Radio Exe News www.radioexe.co.uk 

The £175,000 ramp is being provided by Grenadier, the Exeter firm behind the watersports and retail complex on the seafront which is called Sideshore.

Sideshore ramp (courtesy: Grenadier)

Made from a mixture of sustainable FSC-certified timber, concrete, and steel, the ramp will enable people to reach the beach step-free, allowing visitors with limited mobility or those carrying sports equipment to access the beach safely and easily.

At three-metres wide and 25 meters long, the ramp will provide much-needed access to the beach for those who may currently struggle to use the staircases. Sideshore itself has disability access to ensure as many visitors to the centre as possible can access the new space safely. 

The sea in front of the watersports centre, though, is a dangerous stretch of water because of strong currents arising from both the sandbar off the shore and the proximity to the mouth of the Exe Estuary. East Devon District Council is responsible for the signs on the beach that warn of the danger, and claims they are of a sufficient legal standard to warn people of the dangers.

It means people who use the new ramp can access the beach safely, but will have to walk several hundred metres to reach safe bathing waters.

Construction of the ramp is scheduled to start on 4 May, and is expected to be completed before the end of June. The timing has been chosen so it doesn’t disturb migratory birds over-wintering in the local area.

Ross Bower, from EAD Ecology, said: “Although the site does not lie within any designated conservation areas, it does border them. The Exe Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA) lies immediately adjacent to the boundary of Sideshore, and this area supports over-wintering birds of European importance, including the dark-bellied brent goose and oystercatcher.

“It is important that these birds are undisturbed from feeding and roosting, so the works have been timed to avoid the key winter period when they are present on the estuary, ready for their return in the autumn.”

Grenadier has worked with Teignmouth Maritime Services to minimise disruption to the local wildlife and visitors to the beach. During the works, a small, contained area of the beach and walkway will be separated from the public with access to the beach still permitted via the existing staircases. The cycle route beside the beach promenade will be redirected around the back of Sideshore, and pedestrians will be provided direct access across the promenade through Sideshore, safely away from construction.

Aiden Johnson-Hugill, property director of Grenadier, said: “ A vibro-piling technique will be used which will reduce noise, ensure ample support for the foundations, and be much quicker compared with conventional methods. Almost one third of the ramp will be constructed under the current sand levels, reinforcing its strength and durability.”

Finding a solution to ensure adequate durability in a marine environment is challenging and would normally require the use of non-sustainable tropical hardwoods. Grenadier, who pride themselves on being a sustainable developer, have instead responsibly sourced FSC-certified timber to line the edges of the ramp and the handrails, which will be supported by concrete panels and a steel frame to provide a robust structure.

More deaths in care homes from Covid-19 have occurred in Devon and Cornwall in the first ten weeks of 2021 than in the whole of 2020.

Daniel Clark www.devonlive.com

Latest figures from the Office of National Statistics show that up to March 12, there have been 332 deaths in care homes this year in Devon and Cornwall, compared to 315 in the whole of 2020.

Cornwall, the South Hams, and Teignbridge have seen more deaths in total from Covid-19 in 2021 than 2020.

But a year on from Lockdown 1, the lowest number of weekly deaths relating to coronavirus across Devon and Cornwall has been recorded since the start of November.

And across the South West, the total number of deaths from all causes is 8.4 per cent below the five year average for deaths.

The figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) which relate to the week of March 6 to March 12, but registered up to March 20, show that 12 of the 316 deaths registered in the two counties had Covid-19 mentioned on the death certificate.

It is the lowest total for 18 weeks – and the lowest for 20 weeks for just deaths in hospitals.

The figures included three deaths that have occurred at Holmesley Care Home in Sidford – where seven deaths have occurred – although the other four are believed to have occurred later than March 12 and thus are not included in this dataset.

Of the 12 deaths registered in week 10 (March 6-12), there were six deaths of people from Cornwall (one care home, five hospital), three in East Devon (all care home), one care home death in Plymouth and Mid Devon, and one hospital death in Exeter.

No deaths in the Isles of Scilly, Torbay, Teignbridge Torridge (for the 2 ^nd week running), the South Hams (for the 3 ^rd week running), West Devon (for the 4 ^th week running) and North Devon (for the 5 ^th week running) were registered.

6 of the deaths occurred in care homes, with 6 in hospital.

A further three deaths from week 9 (one in Cornwall, East Devon and Exeter, all in care homes), and one death from week 8 (in a care home in Plymouth) have been added into the figure this week –

Previous weeks have seen 21, 43, 47, 84, 99, 146, 152, 78, 55, 32, 46, 48, 52, 43, 43, 37, 24, 11, 13, 15, 6, 5, 2, 0, 3, 1, 2, 0, 1, 2, 1, 0, 1, 1, 2, 2, 5, 1, 7, 10, 11, 15, 38, 44, 70, 85, 107, 90, 60, 16 and nine deaths registered.

In total, 1,703 deaths from coronavirus have been registered across Devon and Cornwall, with 937 in hospitals, 647 in care homes, 108 at home, four in a hospice, three in a communal establishment and four ‘elsewhere’.

Other communal establishments, as defined by the ONS, include defence bases, educational premises, prisons (including probation/bail hostel, prisons, detention centres and other detention), hotels, hostels, travel and temporary accommodation (including B&Bs, temporary shelter for homeless and holiday parks), and religious premises.

The ONS define elsewhere as all places not covered by the other definitions, such as deaths on a motorway, at the beach, climbing a mountain, walking down the street, at the cinema, at a football match, while out shopping or in someone else’s home.

Of the deaths, 563 have been registered in Cornwall, 230 in Plymouth, 200 in East Devon, 165 in Torbay, 127 in Teignbridge, 126 in Exeter, 81 in Mid Devon, 70 in North Devon, 54 in Torridge, 50 in the South Hams, 37 in West Devon, and none on the Isles of Scilly.

So far in 2021, there have been 301 deaths in Cornwall, 91 in Plymouth, 76 in East Devon, 67 in Teignbridge, 56 in Torbay, 53 in Exeter, 33 in Mid Devon, 26 in South Hams, 14 in North Devon, 13 in Torridge and 9 in West Devon.

The figures show in which local authority the deceased’s usual place of residence was. For instance, if someone may have died in Derriford Hospital but lived in West Devon, while the death may have been registered in Plymouth, their death would be recorded in the mortality statistics for the ONS figures against West Devon.

Deaths that have since March 12 will be recorded in next week’s figures, as long as the deceased lived within Devon and Cornwall, the death has been registered, and Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

[More detailed tabulation of the data can be found on the Devonlive website – Owl]