Devon County Council has unveiled its plans for the year ahead as it prepares for one of the biggest changes to local government in the county's history.
A new Annual Delivery Plan setting out how the authority will maintain safe and reliable services, protect key improvement programmes and prepare the organisation for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) was approved by the council's Cabinet today (Wednesday 15 July).
The Government is expected to announce its preferred option to replace Devon's current two-tier system of local government with new unitary authorities imminently.
The council's delivery plan has therefore been designed to remain flexible so that activities can be adapted as more detail becomes available to prepare for a safe and smooth transition to any future local government arrangements.
However, the council says its priorities remain unchanged, with a continued focus on children and families, supporting people to live independently, improving services, tackling climate change, supporting economic prosperity and strengthening communities.
Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council, said:
“We know local government reorganisation will require a huge amount of work, but our residents rightly expect us to continue delivering essential services and driving improvement in areas such as children's services, adult social care, road and transport and support for our communities.
“This plan helps us prioritise that work, and the services that people rely on every day, by focussing on activity that will make the greatest difference to residents while preparing responsibly for the significant organisational changes that lie ahead.
“Whatever decisions are made nationally about the future shape of local government in Devon, our priority remains clear – ensuring our services remain safe and reliable for our communities.”
The Annual Delivery Plan also includes a performance and monitoring framework, with progress to be reported through regular Cabinet and scrutiny processes throughout the year.
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