New West Devon Council sets out its stall

After the recent change of power, West Devon Borough Council - now for the first time in Conservative control - has laid out the priorities of the new  administration and how they intend to drive forward improvements in the borough

 

They've drawn up seven key priorities for the next four years, and Council Leader James McInnes has vowed that he and his team of councillors will work harder than ever to help residents during the current difficult financial climate and protect important local services.

 

Cllr McInnes, who was elected as Leader last week at the Council's annual meeting, said: "We have been given a mandate by our electorate and I'm determined that we keep our promise to them."

He then laid out their list of priorities as follows, saying,

 

"We live in difficult times, and the future won't be without its challenges, but West Devon Borough Council has a proven track record of being a good authority and we will continue to ensure it improves."

 

The priorities are to:

 

1.Continue to give value for money services to residents. The Council provides more than 100 services and has been consistently rated as one of the best councils in Devon and Cornwall for its financial management.

 

2. Provide more affordable homes. In the last financial year the Council enabled the development of 177 new affordable houses in the borough - among the highest number of affordable homes for any council in Devon.

 

3. Drive forward improvements to the Council's recently introduced recycling and waste service. Residents in the Borough now recycle more than half their waste – a 7% increase on this time last year.

 

4. Promote economic regeneration and support local businesses. The Council works with a range of organisations including Devon County Council to improve the West Devon economy and supports vital projects such as super fast broadband.

 

5. Work closer with West Devon communities, town and parish councils encouraging the principles of localism.

 

6. Fight to protect important local services for our residents including post offices, public transport, healthcare and policing.

 

7. Build on the success of the Connect outreach initiative which takes Council services out into rural communities every week to help residents.

 

Cllr McInnes added: "These are ambitious aims in difficult times, but we are determined to minimise any reduction in West Devon's Services".

Fine words - but here on Okehampton People we will be monitoring the Council's progress, and seeing how they live up to their ambitions. If you have opinions about the Council's actions or plans, post them below.