Home> Annual Parish Meeting>West Devon Borough Council Annual Report to Sticklepath 2025-2026

West Devon Borough Council Annual Report to Sticklepath 2025-2026

West Devon Borough Council

Annual Report 25/2026

PDF version: 2026 PC annual report (1)

The Council plan of priorities for the coming year and onto 2028 is as follows. This will form the basis of our work as a borough council and will be monitored and evaluated regularly. This will ensure we meet the needs of our population and can be refocused and readjusted as necessary. Our 2 main aims are housing and environment.

  • Housing
  1. We am to help our communities to bring affordable housing to their local area. You may know that as you borough councillor I have started the Beacon Community Land Trust to bring forward affordable to rent properties for local people following a recent housing needs survey by the council.

2.WDBC will support the needs of homeless households and provide good quality temporary                       accommodation and value for money.

  1. WDBC will improve accommodation for care experienced young people by supporting them to access the housing they need. The council has the role of corporate parent for care experienced young people.
  2. WDBC will tackle damp and disrepair in rented homes. We have environment officers and a housing team that can assist if tenants experience these issues.
  3. WDBC aims to decarbonise the existing housing stock to improve living standards, lift peoples out of poverty and reduce energy costs for residents. A new Warmer homes grant is available from April, which residents can apply for on our WDBC website.
  • Environment and Biodiversity
  1. WDBC aims to increase biodiversity across the area. We have 2 natural regeneration sites of 7.2 hectares, plus woodland creation on land in the Walkhampton Valley and in Tavistock. We are always interested to hear of local regeneration schemes.
  2. WDBC will continue to make Eco2 reductions across the borough and are working hard to decarbonise our buildings and functions.
  3. WDBC have a wildlife and woodland warden who can advise town and parish councils as well as individuals on biodiversity gains.
  • Built Environment
  1. WDBC will conserve and enhance the existing historic architecture in our area. We will aim to retain the locally distinctive features in the design of layouts, streets and landscapes to guarantee the authenticity of our heritage sites. We want to maintain our heritage for future generations.
  2. WDBC will aim to ensure that we have the infrastructure in place to meet the future needs of our communities and ensure these are delivered by any new development.

 

  • Health and Wellbeing
  1. WDBC will aim to ensure we protect and improve the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors.
  2. WDBC will provide direct grants to support residents through the Disabled facility scheme and homes upgrade grants.
  3. WDBC will provide leisure opportunities and support local ventures to thrive.

 

  • People and Community
  1. WDBC will continue to provide support and effective guidance to our town and Parish councils.
  2. WDBC will build effective partnerships with key partners, for example the local police force, to work together to solve local challenges.
  3. WDBC will be a voice for our local population to government and other agencies to ensure we get the best outcomes for our communities.

 

  • Economy and Jobs
  1. WDBC will continue to deliver on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which has provided grants for the new Interchange railway in Okehampton. And the Rural Prosperity Fund which has support decarbonisation and regenerative farming education and grants for local farmers.
  2. WDBC will continue to strive for connectivity and strategic infrastructure in our area to ensure local businesses are able to thrive.
  3. WDBC will create an environment in which business in all sectors can innovate and grow.

 

  • Perfomance and Resources
  1. WDBC will ensure our staff have the training and resources they require to carry out their roles effectively. We will support staff wellbeing and ensure

council recognises their achievements and successes.

  1. WDBC will ensure we manage the council’s finances and assets successfully.

We have achieved a balanced budget again this 2026. The future 2027 onwards will be a period of change as we transition into larger unitary authorities across Devon

 

  1. WDBC will guarantee efficiency in service delivery and by managing performance. We scrutinise our budget on a quarterly basis.
  2. WDBC will lead by example in ensuring our assts respond to our climate and housing aspirations.

 

  • Accessibility and Communications
  1. WDBC will ensure we provide responsive support and good quality frontline services. We will be looking at AI to enhance our customer experience. Ther will continue to be an open customer service desk Kilworthy Park once weekly on a Tuesday.
  2. WDBC will continue to strive for and achieve a high level of customer satisfaction. We regularly provide evaluation surveys to our customers to continue to monitor how we are doing.

Cllr. Lynn Daniel March 2026

Cllr.Lynn.Daniel@westdevon.gov.uk