Devon News
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Welcome concession is a win for farmers and rural communities across Devon
Devon County Councillor, Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin has welcomed the government’s announcement The government had intended to impose a 20% tax on inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1 million from April 2026, ending the 100% tax relief that has been in place since the 1980s. “Under the original proposals, many family-run farms would have faced being financially crippled,” said Cllr Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member responsible for rural affairs, and fifth-generation sheep farmer whose family continues to farm land in rural Torrington. “Farmers and their families have faced more than a y
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CCTV funding awarded to nearly 40 communities by Police and Crime Commissioner
The Police and Crime Commissioner has more than doubled funding available for CCTV schemes to help reduce crime in towns and villages across Devon and Cornwall after a large number of grant applications were received by her office.
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All Devon’s Christmas and New Year bin collection days
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the perennial puzzle of when to put the bins out. Councils all over Devon are making special arrangements to make sure collections continue right over the festive season.
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An important message from Wales & West Utilities – helping everyone stay gas safe this Christmas
As we approach the festive season, Wales and West Utilities want to help ensure everyone stays safe and warm in their homes this Christmas.
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Have yourself a blockage-free Christmas: South West Water urges households and food businesses to keep fats out of sinks and drains
South West Water is urging households and food businesses this Christmas to take a few simple steps to prevent sewer blockages by keeping fats, oils and grease out of sinks and drains.
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Proceeds of crime being used to focus on projects to support the fight against VAWG
A year on from seizing almost £2.9 million in assets from renowned social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan, Devon and Cornwall Police is seeking to invest money in projects to support action on violence against women and girls.
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Future of potential community land hangs in balance
A decision over the future of land that could be put to community use or sold for development looks set to be taken next year.
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South West Water launches Safe to Swim Forum to shape the future of bathing water safety and quality 18 Dec 2025
South West Water has launched a new expert-led forum in partnership with the University of Exeter in a bid to improve the safety and quality of bathing waters across the South West.
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UKHSA encourages everyone to continue following good hygiene measures to fight flu
Flu levels are beginning to stablise for the first time this season according to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). However, the agency says it’s too early to say if flu has peaked this season and it is encouraging everyone to continue following good hygiene measures.
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Festive shoppers need to beware these signs of fake goods
Shoppers using the last few days before Christmas to finish off gift-buying for family and friends are being warned to watch out for crucial signs of fake goods.
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Residents asked how they want their police force held to account as Your Safety, Your Say survey launches
Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez is asking residents how they want their police force to be led and held to account in the future, as she launches her annual budget consultation.
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Special meeting called as election delay branded ‘deeply dangerous’
Devon County Council’s leader has sharply criticised proposals which could lead to elections being postponed in Exeter and Plymouth – and has arranged a special meeting to discuss the county’s response.
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Council warns claims of “23% funding increase” are misleading as government shifts burden onto council tax
Devon County Council has warned that claims of a “23% increase” in funding for Devon are inaccurate and highly misleading, following the Government’s announcement of the provisional local government finance settlement.
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Rural MPs vow to continue to fight for farmers as controversial bill proceeds through parliament
Rural MPs in Devon have vowed to continue to campaign against the introduction of the so-called family farm tax as a controversial bill proceeded through parliament this week.
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RNLI offers essential safety advice for cold water dippers this festive period
With a festive cold-water dip becoming a popular activity at this time of year, the RNLI is issuing safety advice to those planning to get in the water, to ensure it’s a safe and enjoyable event.
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New South West partnership opens doors for health research
Eight NHS partners have joined forces to make it easier and faster for people to take part in cutting-edge health research in the South West.
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Negotiations set for on-call firefighter pay
Talks are pencilled in for the New Year to thrash out an agreement over the pay of on-call firefighters.
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Staying healthy this winter: here’s how you can help
The NHS is facing exceptional challenges right across the country. The Royal Devon has seen significant increased demand for services recently with a high number of respiratory infections, and cases of norovirus across the Trust.
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Devon & Cornwall Police warn drink spikers this Christmas
Slipping extra alcohol into someone's drink is not "fun" As Police warn drink spikers this Christmas and members of the public to be vigilant.
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Fire service doing ‘deep dive’ on electric vehicle incidents
Devon’s fire service is set to delve into data around electric vehicle (EV) battery fires as it ramps up efforts to encourage wider responsibility around batteries.
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Police remind residents to lock their doors and report suspicious activity
Police in South Devon are urging residents to lock doors overnight to prevent crime. Several incidents have involved opportunistic thieves stealing car keys, along with other personal items including phones, jewellery and cash.
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Machinery stolen in sports club burglaries
Sports clubs across Devon and Cornwall are being urged to be vigilant following two recent break-ins which saw high-value machinery stolen.
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Residents warned after Devon firm ‘syphoned’ money from deceased estates
Residents are being warned after the county’s trading standards team claimed it discovered a director from an unregulated legal firm had been syphoning money out of £3.5 million from deceased estates.
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Commissioner praises improvements in Devon’s children’s services
Devon’s Children’s Commissioner has acknowledged significant improvements at Devon County Council and warned against the risk of breaking up the service as part of local government reorganisation.
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Nine Devon schools confirmed as still in schools rebuilding targets
Nine Devon schools remain in the government’s school rebuilding programme as ministers prepare to make way for more applications.
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Last chance call for flu vaccination as NHS faces ‘worst case scenario’ December
NHS bosses in the South West have issued a last chance call for people to get their flu jab to be protected ahead of the festive holidays, as flu hospitalisations in the region surge by three quarters (76%) in just one week.
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Residents urged to check tumble dryers after fire risk alert
Householders across Devon, are being warned by Trading Standards to stop using certain integrated heat pump tumble dryers immediately after a national safety alert revealed a serious fire risk.
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Devon children get their teeth into oral health
NHS Devon is funding vital oral health lessons for children in primary schools across Devon for the next three years to support them in learning good habits and help protect their teeth for the future.
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Recycle Devon top-tips: Save time, money and reduce food waste this Christmas
Recycle Devon is encouraging residents to save time, money and food waste this Christmas by preparing and freezing festive food ahead of time.
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Fire funding gap could hit £12m if council tax frozen
A funding gap of around £12 million could hit Devon’s fire service if its share of council tax is frozen over the next five years.
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Councillors agree ambitious plan to transform SEND provision
Devon County Councillors have agreed a bold new strategy to reshape support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), aiming to create a more inclusive education system across the county.
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South West Water offers free water-saving devices to help save water and money this winter
South West Water is offering free water-saving devices to help customers reduce their water use and save money on their bills when on a water meter.
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Devon unveils £140m plan to transform support for care leavers and homeless young people
Devon County Council is set to overhaul the way it supports some of the county’s most vulnerable young people, with a new £140 million framework aimed at improving housing and support for 16 to 25-year-olds leaving care or at risk of homelessness.
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Consumers encouraged to ask about meat labelling this Christmas after products fail ‘traceability checks’
Trading Standards service is urging shoppers to check meat labels carefully this festive season after a major investigation revealed misleading claims among some local butchers and farm shops.
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Devon NHS struggling to afford redundancies amid ‘dire’ financial state
Devon’s health service has admitted it is struggling to afford redundancies it needs to make as part of record cost-saving targets due to its “dire” financial state.
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Devon County Council Cabinet backs housing plan to tackle affordability crisis
A wide-ranging set of measures aimed at addressing the county’s housing crisis has been agreed at the latest Council cabinet meeting.
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Targeted activity against drugs is making a difference in Devon and Cornwall
The fight against drugs is gaining momentum across the South West, through the persistent combined efforts of Police and Crime Commissioners and police forces in unity with vital partners.
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County’s flood defences appear robust amid national analysis
The majority of Devon’s flood defences are in good repair and above the required standard, according to a national analysis.
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Politics of council overhaul vote heats up
Friction has emerged at a Devon council over votes linked to a major overhaul of the way local government will be reconfigured.
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Devon County Council considers strengthened action on river protection
Devon County Council has stated its commitment to safeguarding the county’s rivers, recognising their vital role in ecology, heritage, and community wellbeing.
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Free vitamins in libraries to help boost health in Devon
Libraries Unlimited and Devon County Council Public Health have partnered to offer free vitamins in selected libraries. The pilot scheme will offer free Healthy Start vitamins to eligible families at Kingsbridge, Tiverton, and Teignmouth Libraries from 1st December 2025.
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Staying safe this season
We all want to cosy up during the colder months as well as feel festive, but it’s important to be aware of the fire risks that come with staying warm, celebrating special days, and cooking.
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Council confirms action plan to tackle pavement overgrowth across the county
Devon County Councillors have agreed to take steps to address widespread concerns over deteriorating pavements and vegetation overgrowth across Exeter and surrounding communities.
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Route being eyed in push for Devon mayor
A plan to secure a mayor for Devon is gaining ground as the county’s politicians furiously work behind the scenes to make a bid possible.
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Update on ambulance responder scheme due this month
A progress update on a controversial proposal to change a scheme that ensures rapid responses to the most serious medical emergencies is expected later this month.
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Why Devon councils will never be the same again
The future shape of Devon will be decided behind closed doors at Whitehall in the New Year.
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Formula One tech hoping to zoom South West’s train WiFi
Formula One technology has been embraced as part of a trial to improve WiFi on the South West’s trains.
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Devon County Council strengthens support for Armed Forces community
Councillors have voted to strengthen the council’s commitment to the Armed Forces community, building on our existing pledge under the Armed Forces Covenant.
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Check before you travel as Great Western Railway starts new winter timetable from Sunday 14 December
Customers are advised to check their regular train times as Great Western Railway introduces its new winter timetable from Sunday 14 December.
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Devon sets out ambitious plan to transform SEND provision
Devon County Council has unveiled a bold new strategy to reshape support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), aiming to create a more inclusive education system across the county.
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Councillors called on to help recruit foster carers
Devon County Councillors have been urged to use their influence in their local communities and to help recruit more foster carers in Devon.
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Car parking fees to go up on Dartmoor
Car parking fees are to go up on Dartmoor by 3.8 per cent.
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Extra staff drafted in to tackle vulnerable adult response times
Devon County Council has brought in four temporary social workers to boost responses to safeguarding concerns for vulnerable adults, helping the council meet its two-day target for addressing cases and improving support for those at risk.
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More than 100 arrests made during coordinated week of police activity targeting drug supply across the South West
More than 100 people were arrested across the South West as police targeted illegal drugs and child exploitation. In a week of coordinated action, officers seized drugs and weapons, arrested suspects, and safeguarded vulnerable people.


