Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence are set out at the end of the minutes.

Guidance is available online to Councillors and co-opted members on making declarations of interest

Agenda Item 18:  Exmouth Town Hall (Part B):

Councillors Aurora Bailey, Maddy Chapman, Olly Davey, Tim Dumper, Steve Gazzard, Matt Hal, Nick Hookway and Joe Whibley declared an ORI as members of Exmouth Town Council.

The minutes of the extraordinary meeting held on 26 November and the meeting held on 10 December 2025 were confirmed as a correct record.

Information on public speaking is available online

There were three public speakers. 

Agenda Item 12 – Agenda Item 12 – Revenue and Capital Budgets and Council Tax Resolution

Joanne Fotherington commented on the level of precepts that were being faced by local residents, particularly around the potential transfer of assets to local town councils.   The speaker expressed concerns around the capacity of local town councils to manage assets and to ensure that asset transfer was managed and implemented in a planned way to minimise impacts.

Agenda Item 14 – Motion on Notice – Recognising and protecting the rights of rivers in East Devon.

Vicky Whitworth on behalf of the Friends of the River Axe spoke in support of the Motion on Notice (set out in Agenda Item 14 – Recognising and Protecting the rights of rivers in East Devon).   As part of the statement the speaker requested that the Council considers appointing a representative to join the Triple Axe steering group.

Clem Davies on behalf of the Lympstone Water Quality Group welcomed the motions focus on rivers in the area but acknowledged the need to ensure that the Council worked in partnership with a range of community groups to protect the water environment across the district.

The Chair of Council thanked the speakers for their statements and question.

Information on matters of urgency is available online

There were no matters of urgency.

The Chair of Council welcomed Councillor Steve Hunt who had recently been elected to the Exmouth Halsdon ward.

The Chair of Council on behalf of the Council expressed their thanks to all emergency response agencies and officers at East Devon during the recent incident at Exmouth.

The Chair of Council also congratulated Team GB on their recent success at the Winter Olympics.

To agree any items to be dealt with after the public (including the Press) have been excluded. Thereare no itemswhich officersrecommendshould be dealtwithin thisway, but if confidential minutes from Cabinet and/or the Council’s Committees are being discussed, Officers may recommend consideration in the private part of the meeting.

There were two items of confidential/exempt business to be conducted at Agenda Item 17 and 18 respectively.

The following Questions on Notice had been submitted and the responses to those questions were submitted to Council. 

Follow up questions:

Question 1: 

Councillor Mike Goodman asked the Portfolio Holder for Finance that if LGR was delayed what was the impact on the Councils finances and services likely to be.  In response the Portfolio Holder for Finance confirmed that the current Medium Term Plan was prepared with LGR in mind and that a written response would follow.

Question 2:

Councillor Mike Goodman asked the Leader of Council that if LGR was delayed Delay to LGR and the significant impact this might have on East Devon and its residents.   The Leader commented that the Secretary of State had indicated that local government reorganisation was proceeding in line with the current timetable.  The Leader referred to the original response which set details in full. The Leader of Council further commented that Leaders across Devon would be writing to the Secretary of State highlighting that constructive work was underway which would see all authorities across Devon working together on a range of services.  The Leader confirmed that the current Medium Term Financial Plan had been prepared in light of LGR and that funding shortfalls would need to be addressed by Government if they delayed the current process of reorganisation in Devon,

Question 3:

Councillor Mike Goodman asked how many road schemes had been delayed or stopped in Devon.  The Leader of Council responded that this matter should be addressed to the Portfolio Holder for Highways at Devon District Council.

The minutes from the following meetings were noted:

·        Cabinet – 3 December 2025, 7 January and 4 February 2026

·        Licensing and Enforcement Sub Committee – 28 January 2026

·        Planning Committee – 16 December 2025 and 9 February 2026

·        Strategic Planning Committee – 6 January 2026

·        Cranbrook Placemaking Group – 8 December 2025 and 2 February 2026

·        Scrutiny Committee – 12 January and 14 January 2026

·        Overview Committee – 22 January 2026

·        Audit & Governance Committee – 29 January 2026

·        LATCo Shareholder Committee – 4 February 2026

·        Personnel Committee – 28 January 2026

·        Leisure Strategy Delivery Forum – 13 January 2026

·        Exmouth Beach Management Steering Group – 28 November 2025

·        Arts & Culture Forum – 26 November 2025

·        Asset Management Forum – 19 January 2026

RESOLVED:  That Council note the minutes of the meeting set out above.

The Council received a report setting out a recommendation from the Audit and Governance Committee relating to the final Auditor’s Annual Report for the year ending 31 March 2025.

Council noted that the report set out a summary of the work undertaken by Grant Thornton for East Devon District Council as the appointed external auditor.

Council noted the contents of the auditors report.

RESOLVED:  That Council notes the final Auditor’s Annual Report (VfM) for 2024/2025.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the Capital Strategy and Treasury Management Strategy Statement incorporating Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2026/2027.

Council noted that these documents provided details on how the Council planned, prioritised and managed capital expenditure, financing and investment activity, its investments and borrowing along with prudential indicators which evidenced key performance measures including the affordability of borrowing.  

Councillor Sam Hawkins proposed the recommendations which were seconded by Councillor Yehudi Levine and having been put to the vote were carried by a majority show of hands.

RESOLVED:

1.     That Council adopts the Capital Strategy 2026/27 – 2029/30.

2.     That Council adopts the Treasury Management Strategy including the Prudential Indicators for 2026/27.

3.     That Council approves the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement for 2026/27.

4.     That Council approves the Annual Investment Strategy, creditworthiness criteria and updated list of counterparties.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented a report setting out details of the revenue and capital budgets along with the Council Tax resolution for 2026/2027.

Councillor Sam Hawkins proposed the recommendations which were seconded by Councillor John Loudoun and in accordance with legislation a recorded vote was taken.

Recorded Vote:

For: Councillors Paul Arnott, Brian, Aurora Bailey, Jess Bailey, Ian Barlow, Kevin Blakey, Kim Bloxham, Colin Brown, Jenny Brown, Alasdair Bruce, Chris Burhop, Maddy Chapman, Iain Chubb, Bethany Collins, Olly Davey, Tim Dumper, Peter Faithfull, Paula Fernley, Charlotte Fitzgerald, Steve Gazzard, Mike Goodman, Anne Hall, Matt Hall, Sam Hawkins, Paul Hayward, Nick Hookway, Steve Hunt, Sarah Jackson, Richard Jefferies, Vicky Johns, Geoff Jung, Fabian King, Dan Ledger, Yehudi Levine, John Loudoun, Duncan Mackinder, Melanie Martin, Fran McElhone, Todd Olive, Helen Parr, Henry Riddell, Marianne Rixson, Eleanor Rylance, Susan Westerman, Joe Whibley and Eileen Wragg.

Against:  Councillors Roy Collins and Tony McCollum.

Abstentions:  None.

The vote was carried by a majority (46 for and 2 against).

RESOLVED:

That Council approve the Cabinet recommendations on the Revenue and Capital Budgets 2026/27 (Minute Number 153) on the 4th February 2026 which gives the Council Tax requirement for this Council of £11,629,564 resulting in a Council Tax Band D amount of £176.92 and to approve the formal Council Tax Resolution set out as follows:

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2026/2027 for working age residents which was unchanged from the 2025/2026 scheme.

Councillor Sam Hawkins proposed the recommendation which was seconded by Councillor Dan Ledger and having been put to the vote was unanimously carried.

RESOLVED:  That Council approve the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for working age residents for 2026/2027.

Motion 1:  Recognising and Protecting the Rights of Rivers in East Devon

Proposed by: Cllr Paula Fernley

Seconded by: Cllr Jess Bailey

Supported by:  Councillors Paul Arnott, Charlotte Fitzgerald, Geoff Jung, Steve Hunt, Marianne Rixson, Sarah Jackson, Paul Hayward, Alasdair Bruce, Joe Whibley, Tim Dumper, Ian Barlow, Olly Davey, Anne Hall, Fabian King, Duncan Mackinder, Steve Hunt, Richard Jefferies and Bethany Collins

This Council notes that:

East Devon is home to a network of rivers and streams — including the Axe, Coly, Otter, Sid, Exe, Clyst, Lym and their tributaries, which are central to the district’s ecology, landscape character, cultural heritage and community wellbeing. These waterways support wildlife, livelihoods, recreation, food production and the local economy.

Across East Devon and nationally, rivers are under increasing pressure from sewage pollution, agricultural runoff, over-abstraction, habitat loss and climate change. These pressures threaten biodiversity, public health, climate resilience and the long-term sustainability of our river catchments.

This Council believes that:

To safeguard these natural assets for current and future generations, East Devon District Council should demonstrate leadership by recognising the intrinsic value, ecological importance of rivers and they have rights, drawing inspiration from the principles set out in the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Rivers, including:

•            the right to flow naturally and seasonally;

•            the right to perform essential ecological functions;

•            the right to be free from pollution;

•            the right to be sustained by, and sustain, healthy freshwater sources;

•            the right to support native biodiversity and ecological integrity; and

•            the right to recovery and regeneration from environmental harm.

Council therefore resolves to:

1.         Acknowledge the intrinsic ecological value of all rivers and streams within the jurisdiction of East Devon District Council, and that they have rights, including the Axe, Coly, Otter, Sid, Exe, Clyst, Lym and their tributaries.

2.         Affirm the Council’s commitment, through its planning and policy functions, to giving due weight to river protection, flood prevention, sustainable drainage (SuDS), nutrient neutrality, biodiversity net gain and green infrastructure, including through the emerging Local Plan and development management processes.

3.         Note that river protection and restoration principles have been embedded within the emerging Local Plan as far as current legislation allows, and that these considerations will continue to inform relevant planning decisions.

4.         Continue to work in partnership with relevant national and regional bodies, including the Environment Agency, Natural England, DEFRA, Ofwat and South West Water,  to formally communicate concerns about river health and to encourage stronger protections, effective enforcement and catchment-based approaches. As well as asking our MPs to put pressure on Government.

5.         Recognise the value of citizen science and community-led river monitoring initiatives, and commit to signposting communities to appropriate regulatory bodies and partners where concerns about river quality arise.

6.         Encourage collaboration with community groups, NGO’s, catchment partnerships and other stakeholders, where this aligns with existing Council priorities and resources, to share information, promote good practice and signpost relevant support.

7.         Promote  ...  view the full agenda text for item 103.

The Council considered a Motion on Notice - Recognising and Protecting the Rights of Rivers in East Devon.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Paula Fernley and seconded by Councillor Jess Bailey.  The supporters of the motion included Councillors Paul Arnott, Charlotte Fitzgerald, Geoff Jung, Steve Hunt, Marianne Rixson, Sarah Jackson, Paul Hayward, Alasdair Bruce, Joe Whibley, Tim Dumper, Ian Barlow, Olly Davey, Anne Hall, Fabian King, Duncan Mackinder, Steve Hunt, Richard Jefferies and Bethany Collins.

In speaking to the motion Councillor Fernley requested that the Council notes that:

East Devon is home to a network of rivers and streams — including the Axe, Coly, Otter, Sid, Exe, Clyst, Yarty, Lym and their tributaries, which are central to the district’s ecology, landscape character, cultural heritage and community wellbeing. These waterways support wildlife, livelihoods, recreation, food production and the local economy.

Across East Devon and nationally, rivers are under increasing pressure from sewage pollution, agricultural runoff, over-abstraction, habitat loss and climate change. These pressures threaten biodiversity, public health, climate resilience and the long-term sustainability of our river catchments.

Councillor Fernley also called on the Council to safeguard these natural assets for current and future generations, East Devon District Council should demonstrate leadership by recognising the intrinsic value, ecological importance of rivers and they have rights, drawing inspiration from the principles set out in the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Rivers, including:

•            the right to flow naturally and seasonally;

•            the right to perform essential ecological functions;

•            the right to be free from pollution;

•            the right to be sustained by, and sustain, healthy freshwater sources;

•            the right to support native biodiversity and ecological integrity; and

•            the right to recovery and regeneration from environmental harm.

Councillor Fernley requested that the Council therefore resolves to:

1.     Acknowledge the intrinsic ecological value of all rivers and streams within the jurisdiction of East Devon District Council, and that they have rights, including the Axe, Coly, Otter, Sid, Exe, Clyst, Yarty, Lym and their tributaries.

2.     Affirm the Council’s commitment, through its planning and policy functions, to giving due weight to river protection, flood prevention, sustainable drainage (SuDS), nutrient neutrality, biodiversity net gain and green infrastructure, including through the emerging Local Plan and development management processes.

3.     Note that river protection and restoration principles have been embedded within the emerging Local Plan as far as current legislation allows, and that these considerations will continue to inform relevant planning decisions.

4.     Continue to work in partnership with relevant national and regional bodies, including the Environment Agency, Natural England, DEFRA, Ofwat and South West Water, to formally communicate concerns about river health and to encourage stronger protections, effective enforcement and catchment-based approaches. As well as asking our MPs to put pressure on Government.

5.     Recognise the value of citizen science and community-led river monitoring initiatives and commit to signposting communities to appropriate regulatory bodies and partners where concerns about river quality arise.

6.     Encourage collaboration with community groups, NGO’s, catchment partnerships and other stakeholders, where this aligns with existing Council priorities and resources, to share information, promote good practice and signpost relevant support.

7.     Promote public awareness and engagement, within existing resources, on the importance of rivers to East Devon’s natural environment, climate resilience and cultural heritage.

8.     Request that the Environment Agency, working with local partners, publishes an annual “State of East Devon Rivers” report to improve transparency, understanding and accountability for river condition and management.

In seconding the motion Councillor Jess Bailey commented that it was important that there was an action plan in place to support the requests set out in the motion.

Having been duly moved and seconded the motion on notice was put to the vote and carried by a majority show of hands.

RESOLVED:

That Council:

1.     Acknowledge the intrinsic ecological value of all rivers and streams within the jurisdiction of East Devon District Council, and that they have rights, including the Axe, Coly, Otter, Sid, Exe, Clyst, Lym and their tributaries.

2.     Affirm the Council’s commitment, through its planning and policy functions, to giving due weight to river protection, flood prevention, sustainable drainage (SuDS), nutrient neutrality, biodiversity net gain and green infrastructure, including through the emerging Local Plan and development management processes.

3.     Note that river protection and restoration principles have been embedded within the emerging Local Plan as far as current legislation allows, and that these considerations will continue to inform relevant planning decisions.

4.     Continue to work in partnership with relevant national and regional bodies, including the Environment Agency, Natural England, DEFRA, Ofwat and South West Water,  to formally communicate concerns about river health and to encourage stronger protections, effective enforcement and catchment-based approaches. As well as asking our MPs to put pressure on Government.

5.     Recognise the value of citizen science and community-led river monitoring initiatives, and commit to signposting communities to appropriate regulatory bodies and partners where concerns about river quality arise.

6.     Encourage collaboration with community groups, NGO’s, catchment partnerships and other stakeholders, where this aligns with existing Council priorities and resources, to share information, promote good practice and signpost relevant support.

7.     Promote public awareness and engagement, within existing resources, on the importance of rivers to East Devon’s natural environment, climate resilience and cultural heritage.

8.     Request that the Environment Agency, working with local partners, publishes an annual “State of East Devon Rivers” report to improve transparency, understanding and accountability for river condition and management.

To seek the nomination of a councillor to serve on the Budget Setting and Capital Allocations Panel.

The Council considered a nomination to fill a vacancy on the Budget Setting and Capital Allocations Panel.

Councillor Fran McElhone was nominated and having been proposed by Councillor Dan Ledger and seconded by Councillor Paul Arnott, was put to the vote and carried by a majority show of hands.

RESOLVED:

That Council appoint Councillor Fran McElhone to serve on the Budget Setting and Capital Allocations Panel.

To consider passing a resolution having been duly proposed and seconded under Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the press and public from the meeting, on the basis that if they were present during the business to be transacted there would be a likelihood of disclosure of exempt information, within the meaning of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

Reason: Para 3 Schedule 12A Information relating to the finance or business affairs of any particular person

Councillor Charlotte Fitzgerald moved a motion to pass a resolution under Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the press and public from the meeting, on the basis that if they were present during the business to be transacted there would be a likelihood of disclosure of exempt information, within the meaning of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, Paragraph 3 (Information relating to the finance or business affairs of any particular person. The motion was seconded by Councillor Eleanor Rylance and having been put to the vote was unanimously carried.

RESOLVED: That the press and public be excluded from the meeting on the basis that if they were present during the business to be transacted there would be a likelihood of disclosure of exempt information, within the meaning of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, Paragraph 3 (Information relating to the finance or business affairs of any particular person.

The item was considered in exempt session under Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of the Council and third parties due to commercially sensitive tender information.

The Council considered a recommendation from the Cabinet on 4 February 2026 Members received a recommendation seeking additional funding to inspect Council owned bridges and structures. 

Councillor Dan Ledger proposed the recommendation which was seconded by Councillor Geoff Jung and having been put to the vote was carried by a majority show of hands.

Resolved:

That Council agree to increase revenue budget Parks and Open Space by

£35,000 for FY2025-2026 and increase revenue budget by £11,380 in FY2026-2027 to ensure inspections are undertaken.

Councillors Aurora Bailey, Maddy Chapman, Tim Dumper, Dan Wilson, Brian Bailey, Nick Hookway, Olly Davey, Joe Whibley, Matt Hall and Steve Gazzard left the meeting before consideration of this item.

The item was considered in exempt session under Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of the Council and third parties.

Council considered a report setting out recommendations from Cabinet on 4 February 2026, seeking approval to dispose of a Council-owned building to support community uses.

Council supported the disposal of the Council owned building to support community use and the motion having been moved by Councillor Paul Hayward and seconded by Councillor Dan Ledger was put to the vote and carried unanimously.

Resolved:

That Council endorse the decision to dispose of a Council owned building to support community use.