Five thousand Devon potholes have been fixed in just six months using a device known as a ‘dragon patcher’.

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

Devon’s Dragon Patchers flying through pothole repairs (image courtesy: Devon County Council)

The machines, which emits flames, are being used across the county’s vast road network to tackle the huge number of damaged surfaces.

Since April, more than 33,000 square metres of material have been laid to fix potholes and road damage across 5,250 patches.

The success of the dragon patchers appears to be because the heat of their flames helps the repair material bond effectively to the existing road surface.

Cllr Jerry Brook (Conservative, Chudleigh and Teign Valley) told the county council’s corporate infrastructure and regulatory services scrutiny committee he had been “criss-crossing” Devon recently and had seen a clear improvements on the roads.

“There has been an enormous amount of work and therefore improvement to our network in quite a short space of time,” he said.

“Some places are diabolical still and they may never get done, but I want to say congratulations to the team as there has been quite considerable improvement.”

The committee’s chair, Frank Letch (Liberal Democrat, Crediton), added: “I would reiterate that in my area too.”

In the first four months of this financial year, more than 24,000 potholes were recorded – a 54 per cent increase on the same period last year.

The council’s highways department was helped by an extra £12 million in funding.

More than £7 million of this has been put towards capital funding, which has allowed the council to double the number of patching teams from two to four.
 

Paul Arnott 

A couple of weeks ago East Devon held a double celebration at its Blackdown House HQ, meant to happen in June but postponed due to the sudden calling of the general election. In one part of the afternoon, I was privileged on behalf of the people of East Devon to co-sign the Veteran’s Charter with Major Mark Latham RM. This had been the idea of Cllr Vicky Johns from Ottery St Mary, who comes from a forces’ family

The charter commits your council to redouble its efforts on behalf of the nearly eight thousand ex forces personnel and reservists who live in the East Devon district. Most thrive, but for many there are challenges around both jobs and housing when they leave their service, as well as lifelong medical conditions. As a council we already do try and help with steering them in the right direction. Signing the charter now weaves this commitment into the fabric of everything we do.

The other part of the afternoon involved marking the 50th anniversary of East Devon District Council itself, which arose from a massive reorganisation of local government back in 1974. It was great to welcome back at least one councillor who’d been first elected back then which unusually made me feel very young.

The timing of it was ironic, because at this very moment local government where we live is undertaking another, slightly odd change. I am mindful that for most readers this is an epic yawn, so I’ll try to be brief. Essentially, if you live in East Devon and think about your council tax bill, that’ll help.

In very approximate terms, if you pay £2,300 Council Tax per year, roughly £80 is for your parish or town council, £100 for Fire and Rescue, about £160 for East Devon District, £260 for the Police, and by far the largest share, £1,700 to Devon County Council.

That huge chunk to the County Council covers big ticket items such as Adult and Young People’s Social Care, Highways (Potholes!!), Education, Libraries and local economic strategy to worry about. All of which is horribly underfunded from central government.

But as of last week, the government signed off on Devon County Council together with Torbay Council (both “unitary” authorities) forming a “Combined County Authority” (CCA). Technically, this makes no difference to the bodies listed two paragraphs back, but it becomes a joint endeavour which can draw down greater infrastructure funding from central government, plan more strategically with Homes England, and have a bigger say in the region’s transport arrangements, amongst other things.

It’s all early days at the moment, and there is a measure of genuine surprise in the two major cities in Devon, both Labour-led, that the new government has rushed to rubber-stamp what was very much a Conservative idea. Plymouth in particular had pulled out of the CCA idea but it looks now very much that, having forlornly courted an unwilling Cornwall to join up with them, their own party is pushing them back into the CCA.

One clear advantage is that it staves off the potty idea of a Mayor for a totally unitary Devon. But with County Council elections looming in May, it’s all to play for on who will actually end up rolling all this out.

Civic Voice highlights the need for stronger community involvement and housing affordability measures

http://www.civicvoice.org.uk 

Civic Voice, the national charity for civic societies, has today submitted its response to the Government’s consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework, which was published on 30 July 2024. Engaging with civic societies and community groups across across the country, Civic Voice collected input through surveys, briefings, webinars, and discussions, ensuring that the views of local communities were heard.

In total, seven events were held, attended by 202 individuals, with an additional 405 responses through an online survey and 366 detailed email submissions from individuals, civic societies and other community organisations. These contributions helped shape Civic Voice’s comprehensive response to the Government’s proposals.

Key points from Civic Voice’s response include

Housing Affordability: Civic Voice emphasises that simply increasing housing targets will not automatically result in more homes being built or lower house prices. Without targeted reforms, the private sector may continue to prioritise high-end developments, leaving the urgent need for affordable and social housing unmet. Civic Voice calls for stronger public sector involvement, empowering local authorities and housing associations to meet community needs.

Community Involvement: Civic Voice urges the Government to strengthen Statements of Community Involvement, ensuring that local communities have a meaningful role in shaping major planning decisions. Public engagement must be an ongoing process at every stage of development to rebuild trust and ensure local voices are not just heard, but acted upon.

Strategic Planning: Civic Voice supports enhanced strategic planning at sub-regional levels, potentially overseen by combined authorities, to address complex housing and infrastructure issues. Local housing markets should be assessed by regional bodies, with findings used to guide public investment programmes.

Net Zero and VAT Reform: Civic Voice highlights the urgent need for planning policy to support the Government’s net zero ambitions. Building new homes must go hand in hand with sustainability goals, ensuring developments are energy-efficient and contribute to carbon reduction targets. To this end, Civic Voice calls for reform to the VAT system to incentivise retrofitting and refurbishment of existing homes. Lowering VAT on these projects would encourage greener building practices, support the transition to net zero, and reduce carbon emissions, helping to make homes more energy efficient.  

Ian Harvey, Executive Director of Civic Voice: “The current housing crisis isn’t just about numbers—it’s about ensuring that the homes being built are genuinely affordable and meet the needs of the people who need them. If we allow the large housebuilders to continue to dominate, the problem will be prolonged, leaving the urgent need for affordable and social housing unmet. We cannot solve the affordable housing crisis without stronger public sector leadership and viewing communities as partners in these national challenges. Communities should be at the centre of decision-making, not sidelined. Using local knowledge and input can speed up decision-making. The future of planning must put local voices first, through local plans ensuring the developments we build meet local needs and contribute to our net zero ambitions.”

Next Steps

Civic Voice looks forward to continued dialogue with Ministers and officials on the NPPF consultation, as well as on future planning reform proposals. We remain committed to ensuring that local communities have a real say in shaping the future of their areas and will continue to advocate for greater housing affordability and strategic planning measures., including latest announcements on brownfield passports, and retrofttting.

To read Civic Voice’s full response, click this link. 

More than 8,000 people in the over-80s in Honiton and Sidmouth risk losing Winter Fuel Payments.

Bobby Angelov www.sidmouthherald.co.uk

The latest official statistics reveal that these pensioners, previously benefiting from £300 each to stay warm, are set to lose this support unless they qualify for other benefits.

The cuts affect those who previously received pension credit.

The Liberal Democrats have voiced concerns over the government’s decision, urging ministers to “protect vulnerable pensioners”.

In total, 25,921 pensioners in Honiton and Sidmouth risk losing support due to the cuts.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Honiton and Sidmouth, Richard Foord, said: “Thousands of people in Mid- and East Devon are desperately worried about how they will make ends meet this winter.

“Vulnerable older pensioners shouldn’t be racked with worry; these figures are deeply worrying.

“I have heard countless stories from those who now say they will have to choose between staying warm or putting food on the table as a result of this Government’s decision.

“Cutting these payments for thousands who are barely getting by, is the wrong decision.

“It is not too late for the Government to change course, reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners in Devon this winter.”

Nationally, Age UK has previously stated that 2.5 million pensioners will “be in serious trouble” this winter due to the cutting of the payments.

The Liberal Democrats have called on the Government to “reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners” this winter.

The winter fuel payment is a tax-free payment designed to help elderly people cover their heating costs.

The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer was met with boos at his party conference over the winter fuel cuts (Image: PA)

Following the Chancellor’s announcement in July, winter fuel payments – previously eligible for all pensioners – will now be limited to those who receive pension credit.

The policy has proved to be controversial as the Labour leadership lost a conference vote on winter fuel payments at the Labour conference.