Devon News

Roads and children’s services will receive a major cash injection in the first budget of Devon County Council’s new administration.

Senior Liberal Democrats have urged Westminster to step in and postpone the process of radically overhauling Devon’s councils amid the backtrack over this year’s local elections.

Devon’s largest council looks set to hike council tax by the most it is allowed to do as it faces rising costs for its most vital services and looks to bolster its reserves.

Proposals to make permanent changes to street lighting across the county have been approved, following a year‑long trial that responded to community needs while cutting costs, reducing carbon emissions and delivering environmental benefits.

Devon’s fire service has secured an extra £10 million of funding for next year after an agreed hike in its share of the council tax.

South West Water has opened applications for its new Water Efficiency Business Innovation Fund which is supporting businesses across the region to implement water-saving ideas.

Police and two leading equine welfare charities have joined forces to produce a collection of short films to help prevent collisions and near-misses involving horses on rural roads.

Libraries Unlimited is partnering with Recycle Devon to bring World Book Day costume swap rails to 15 libraries in Devon. World Book Day 2026 is Thursday, 5th March and library swap rails are running from 16th February to 8th March. Customers are invited to donate outgrown, unwanted children’s costumes in good, wearable condition. Costumes will be available to take home for free!

Residents are being called on to make their voices heard as the major public consultation on the future of the county’s 50 libraries enters its final week.

Do you know this man? Police Officers are trying to identify him in connection with a mobile phone theft scam.

In a powerful demonstration of regional collaboration, the Council Leaders and Directors of Public Health from every local authority in the South West have united to demand the immediate passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

Devon County Council has welcomed the Government’s announcement that it will fund 90 per cent of local authorities’ historic Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) deficits.

The Government’s final local government funding settlement continues a long-term shift away from national funding, placing increasing reliance on council tax to pay for essential local services.

Devon Sexual Health has launched a new website to help people living in Devon & Torbay make informed decisions about their sexual health.

A consultation on the future of local government in Devon has been opened by the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are reminding the public not to use four specified non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products under any circumstances due to an ongoing risk of infection associated with their use.

A petition has been presented to parliament calling for action and investment to future-proof the Tarka Line and improve reliability for passengers across the area who rely on the train service.

Next week (9-15 February) is Children’s Mental Health Week, an annual campaign that shines a spotlight on the importance of supporting children and young people’s mental wellbeing.

New research from National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) shows 86% of people in the South West don’t know about the first port of call in a power cut – the 105 helpline. 105 is a free number that connects callers directly to their local electricity network operator in the event of a power cut.

Devon County Council has welcomed the Government’s announcement to recruit 10,000 new foster carers by 2029.

Police Officers are appealing for witnesses after burglars targeted two commercial premises at a Crediton industrial estate.

A pilot project to help GPs spot early warning signs of cancer from routine blood tests has now rolled out to 60 GP practices in Devon.

Libraries Unlimited is partnering with The Guardian Foundation to bring a series of free news literacy workshops for families to libraries in Devon.

Communities hit by flooding as a result of Storm Chandra and recent wet weather are being encouraged to approach the Devon Community Resilience Forum if they need support.

Survivors of sexual abuse and rape will now be provided with improved support that better meets their needs across the region.

The UK Health Security Agency has published annual coverage data for the HPV vaccination programme for the 2024/25 school year. While the South West has achieved higher vaccination rates than the England average across all year groups, around 1 in 4 young people in the region are still leaving school without protection.