Pushing at an open door?- Owl

Richard Foord, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Defence)

I welcome the fact that the Health Secretary talks about a shift from hospital to community care; that builds on Lord Darzi’s finding that 13% of beds are occupied by people who are waiting for care in more appropriate settings. Caring for patients in community hospitals is much more cost-effective than caring for patients in big acute hospitals like the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital where I live. What thought has the Secretary of State given to the use of community hospitals that have lost beds in the last decade, such as Seaton, Axminster, Honiton and Ottery St Mary?

Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right about the value of community hospitals, step-down accommodation and care close to people’s homes—or, better still, wherever possible, in their homes, so long as it is clinically safe and the right support and care is available. The shift from hospital to community will be at the heart of our 10-year plan for reform and modernisation. Like lots of his colleagues on the Liberal Democrat Benches and lots of those on the Government Benches behind me, the hon. Gentleman has already done a good job of putting his local lobbying of Ministers on the record in the House.

Reference and context here

Jess Bailey said she was concerned the footbridge, closed since last December, might have a “total collapse”

A bridge that connects two sides of a town in Devon remains closed nine months after it was damaged in storms in December 2023.

Miles Davis www.bbc.co.uk

People in Ottery St Mary said they were concerned for the safety of hundreds of schoolchildren who used to use Coleridge Bridge and now have to walk a far longer route on a busy road, with some journey times quadrupling.

One local councillor said she feared the entire bridge could collapse if work was not carried out ahead of any more storms in the coming winter.

Devon County Council and the Environment Agency said they were working together to obtain necessary permission for the “critical” work.

The bridge was damaged by a fallen tree in the storms of December 2023 Image source, Devon County Council

Jess Bailey, Independent councillor for Otter Valley on Devon County Council, said: “Ultimately, during the winter we might see further deterioration and erosion which could cause the total collapse of the bridge into the river.

“It’s an absolutely vital pedestrian link between the King’s School and residents to get to the main centre of Ottery St Mary, and it was used by hundreds of people on a daily basis.”

Ms Bailey said the bridge, which was built in 2011, was supported by a central pier which had suffered serious erosion.

“This is an absolutely crucial piece of infrastructure for the community,” she said.

Caz Meech’s back garden overlooks the River Otter and her children were regular users of the footbridge.

She said her biggest concerns were around safety.

She said: “Not only do the children now have to go around the main road, where they are at risk of the traffic, but also quite regularly you get children scaling the fence and getting onto the bridge.

“Those fences are not going to stop determined teenagers. Do we need a tragedy to happen for anybody to actually act?”

Other residents in Ottery St Mary said it had turned a five-minute walk into town into a 20-minute walk, and they were concerned about elderly people or people with mobility issues being cut off from the main town centre.

Devon County Council said “critical work” was needed “first to strengthen and protect the foundations on which the bridge sits”.

The council said it was in discussion with the Environment Agency about the necessary permissions and it hoped to be able to start the work before the end of September.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said it was working closely with the council on granting permissions for both temporary work this year and for permanent repairs in the longer term.

A total of 18 businesses expressed interest in a tender linked to broader blueprints to develop the Queen’s Drive Space and Beach Gardens areas on the seafront, writes Local Democracy Reporter Bradley Gerrard.

Local Democracy Reporter eastdevonnews.co.uk

Firms are not bidding to complete a specific design or set of plans, as these will be developed by East Devon District Council (EDDC) in collaboration with those that are successful.

EDDC’s Placemaking in Exmouth Town and Seafront Group discussed the mooted development this week.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Nick Hookway, who represents Exmouth Littleham, said the bids by the 18 companies are now being assessed.

“Once we have chosen the correct team to do this, we will the sit down and go through the process of creating designs, which will go forward for consultation,” he said.

He added that the ‘extremely strict’ tendering process is being administered by Devon County Council on EDDC’s behalf, which he said was standard.

“It’s extremely well-run and they do all the advertising for us through the relevant journals and websites to inform people that the tenders are there, and they handle them and then give us guidance on how to assess them,” added Cllr Hookway.

Funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund of around £40,000 will be used to pay the organisations for their work.

The progress, while small, will be seen as important given recent criticism of the wider efforts.

During the meeting, resident Ann Membury questioned the process and said: “I think I represent many East Devon District Council taxpayers when I say this committee has spent too much time and money on a ten-year strategic plan and not enough money making improvements now.

“The first report sounded like waffle that is not feasible, and I would like it scrutinised to see if the money spent is justified.”

She added that around £150,000 had already been spent to produce proposals for the town and seafront areas.

And at a recent EDDC meeting, Exmouth Littleham representative Cllr Brian Bailey expressed ‘disappointment’ at the progress being made by the placemaking group – asking whether it could be closed down to save money.

The Exmouth placemaking plan curates ideas in five areas. They include Queen’s Drive and the Beach Gardens car park. Some 13 potential projects have been suggested for ‘phase one’ at a total value of £6million.

The vision, which is being spearheaded by EDDC, is to improve the town over the next decade and has been subject to various consultations over the past two years.

Some of the more controversial ideas – which are not cast-iron plans – include a multi-storey car park as part of development of the existing Imperial Road car park, and a new leisure centre.

However, the potential for a park-and-ride system has been more warmly received. As has the notion of creating a space for events north of Queen’s Drive Space, which houses some of the town’s replica dinosaurs.

An overspend of nearly £6 million is being predicted for Devon County Council this year on top of its special needs deficit.

Bradley Gerrard, local democracy reporter www.radioexe.co.uk

Councillors heard that the authority’s children’s services, including social care, account for most of the extra costs, but officers are seeking ways to save money.

The prediction is for the end of the financial year in April, and can change before then.

The current figure, calculated in July, is the most recent publicly available data.

Cllr Phil Twiss (Conservative, Feniton & Honiton) told the council’s cabinet meeting that it is early in the financial year, and that it has achieved greater savings before.

“There is pressure in adult social services and children and young people’s futures, as well as corporate services,” he said.

“But we have a good level of confidence that we can deliver our budgeted savings.”

Angie Stewart, the council’s director of finance, added that the £6 million overspend prediction should fall.

“If we can’t pull back the overspending on general fund services, it could be a draw on reserves, but that’s not what I’m expecting at the moment,” she said.

“I’m expecting that overspend to be pulled back and there is cross-organisational work on that, so I’m expecting to see an improved picture by month six of the financial year.

“And that’s not because that’s what usually happens but because we are taking positive action and have a good track record.”

However, the deficit linked to the council’s special educational needs and disabilities (Send) budget is allowed to be considered separately from core finances.

The prediction is that the Send budget will overspend by £38 million in the current financial year.

The council identified nearly £50 million in potential savings when the budget was set in February, but as at the end of July, only £46 million of these as possible.

Officers colour-coded budgeted savings to demonstrate how achievable they are.

“In particular, savings classified as amber, where the need for closer management focus has been identified, present a risk to the forecast position,” a report for councillors stated.

“Of the £13.7 million forecast savings rated amber to be delivered, £4.6 million is currently classified as achieved.”

The children and young people’s futures appears most under pressure, with a forecast overspend for the year of £6.6 million, while adult social care is expected to have a £1.1 million overspend.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) is to urge the Government to consider changing planning law so that unfinished developments are completed sooner.

Local Democracy Reporter eastdevonnews.co.uk 

It follows frustration being voiced over developers who sit on sites for which they have planning permission but don’t complete them for years, writes Local Democracy Reporter Bradley Gerrard. 

Councillor Mike Howe, who represents Clyst Vale and is vice-chair of the authority’s strategic planning committee, suggested that developers should be forced to complete projects within a certain timeframe.

He added that if this date was missed then firms should face a financial cost or the option to give up their planning permission.

The idea was put to the council’s cabinet with EDDC leader Paul Arnott calling it an ‘excellent idea’.

This means the council will now write to the Government asking it to consider the notion.

Unfinished sites can be problematic for councils, causing authorities to miss housing targets.

Furthermore, ‘Section 106’ payments from developers that help fund community and social infrastructure are often paid in instalments when certain milestones are reached. Delays can mean councils don’t receive this money when expected.

Last month, Cllr Howe said he had considered the idea for some time.

“I’ve long held the belief that if an applicant gets planning permission and they make a material start but don’t continue to build, that after three or five years, even if it is not completed, they should have to start paying business rates or council tax,” he said.

“I believe there needs to be a carrot and stick approach as I don’t think developers should be able to sit on a site and not pay any council tax or rates on it.

“And if they don’t want the site any longer, then they should have the option to rescind their planning permission so they don’t have to pay the charges on it.”

Ed Freeman, an assistant director of the council’s planning department, said at the time this was not something the authority could pursue by itself.

He added that legislation would be needed to be able to charge business rates or council tax on buildings that do not yet exist.

East Devon District Council has unveiled its Economic Development Strategy for 2024-2029, a robust plan designed to address the district’s unique challenges while equally leveraging its unique strengths.

Authored by Sarah Parker www.thedevondaily.co.uk

The strategy outlines five core policies that aim to foster sustainable economic growth, improve residents’ wellbeing, and ensure the district remains an attractive place to live, work, and invest.

This is a summary of East Devon District Council’s Economic Development Strategy for 2024-2029, alternatively, you can read the full version here.

A Diverse and Resilient Economy

East Devon’s economy is characterised by its diversity, ranging from cutting-edge research at Exeter Science Park to small enterprises in rural hamlets. This diversity has historically provided resilience against economic downturns, such as the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

As businesses adapt to modern challenges, integrating tools like a payroll app could streamline operations, particularly for small enterprises, further enhancing economic stability. However, the district faces ongoing challenges, including lower wages, limited workspace in rural areas, and a high cost of living. The strategy aims to address these issues while capitalising on the district’s strategic connectivity, natural beauty, and proximity to Exeter.

Five Core Policies for Targeted Action

1. Industrial Policy

This policy targets high-growth sectors like clean energy, digital innovations, and the local food and drink industry. It aims to foster innovation, create high-value jobs, and attract investment, while prioritising clean growth to support environmental goals and sustainable development.

2. Workspace Policy

This policy addresses the shortage of employment land by increasing commercial premises across the district. The Council will leverage its assets, work with landowners, and seek funding to develop key sites, aiming to reduce commuting, boost local jobs, and strengthen community resilience.

3. Environmental Policy

Committed to reaching Net Zero by 2040, this policy supports businesses and residents in cutting carbon emissions through decarbonisation grants, sustainable travel promotion, and green job skills development. It also emphasises connecting local environmental efforts with East Devon’s sustainable tourism identity, boosting the district’s appeal to residents and visitors alike.

4. Social Policy

This policy aims to make East Devon more appealing to younger people, while engaging older residents in the economy. It includes town centre regeneration, enhancing cultural and leisure options, and exploring housing solutions for young professionals. The goal is to balance the demographic profile, boosting social cohesion and economic vitality.

5. Resource Policy

This policy ensures the Council stays adaptable while maintaining high-quality services. It highlights the need for agility in responding to disruptions, like the COVID-19 pandemic, and readiness to seize new funding opportunities. Collaboration with local, regional, and national partners is key to maximising the strategy’s impact.

Moving Forward

The East Devon Economic Development Strategy aims to create a sustainable, equitable economy that supports residents, boosts businesses, and preserves natural landscapes. Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the strategy is adaptable and will be regularly updated to address new challenges. With its clear vision and focused policies, East Devon is poised for growth and enhanced quality of life in the coming years.