Agenda, decisions and minutes

Members of the Council will declare any interests they may have in any item to be considered at this meeting, prior to any discussion taking place on that item.

The other registrable interests of Councillors of Devon County Council, arising from membership of City, Town or Parish Councils and other Local Authorities will automatically be recorded in the minutes.

For details of District and or Town and Parish Twin Hatters – please see here  A list of county councillors who are also district, borough, city, parish or town councillors

The Chair reminded Members they should declare any interests they may have in any item to be considered, prior to any discussion taking place on that item. The details of District and or Town and Parish Twin Hatters was on the attached list -  A list of county councillors who are also district, borough, city, parish or town councillors

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 23 May 2024.

The Chair of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the minutes of the meeting held on 23 May be signed as a correct record.

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

The Chair of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the minutes of the meeting held on 23 May be signed as a correct record.

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

The Chair of the Council congratulated the Council’s two parks, the Grand Western Canal Country Park and Stover Country Park who had once again, been recognised as being amongst the best in the UK after they both received the Green Flag Award. The award was the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

The Council managed both parks and this year marked the 21st consecutive year that Stover Country Park had received the award, and at the Grand Western Canal Country Park it was 16 years.

He also congratulated Councillors Roome and Wrigley in being elected as MP’s in the recent general election.

In line with the Cabinet Procedure Rules, the Leader and/or Cabinet Members may update the Council with any important updates or announcements

that cannot reasonably wait.

Members may ask a brief question directly related to any verbal announcement made.

In line with the Cabinet Procedure Rules, the Council could receive any important updates or announcements from the Leader and/or Cabinet Members that could not reasonably wait. However, there were no matters raised.

There was no item raised as a matter of urgency.

Petitions, Questions or Representations from Members of the public in line with the Council’s Petitions and Public Participation Schemes.

The Leader was presented, by Judith Taylor with a petition containing approximately 1000 signatures seeking to keep Tipton St John school in Tipton.

A second petition was received from Cllr Tobias Robshaw from Totnes Town Council on behalf of Totnes Solidarity for Palestine containing approximately 1200 signatures in support of the motion on the agenda relating to Pension Divestment.

The relevant Cabinet Member or Head of Service would be asked to respond direct to the petitioners on the issues raised, within 15 days, in line with the scheme.

In accordance with the Council's Public Participation Rules, the relevant Cabinet Member responded to five questions from members of the public on the following matters:

1.    safeguarding concerns regarding website and implementation of safeguarding recommendations to schools regarding children who identify as Transgender;

2.    safeguarding practices and funding of LGBTQ+ organisations in Devon;

3.    Council plans to follow IPCC recommendations regarding reductions in consumption of meat and dairy and transitions to plant-based production;

4.    plant based food in Climate Action Plans and how the Council will prioritise plant based; and

5.    concern about the floating bus stop installed in Rifford Road (Exeter) and alternative solution proposed;

The Cabinet Members responded orally to supplementary questions arising from the above and would send a written response to the supplementary questions from questions 1 and 2.

A copy of the questions and answers had been sent to all questioners prior to the meeting.

In accordance with the Council's Public Participation Rules, the Council received and acknowledged oral representations made by Mr Clinch on behalf of North Devon Palestine Solidarity Campaign about disinvestment from arms companies in the Local Government Pension Scheme and Emily McIvor on recent findings concerning the ineffectiveness of culling badgers as a means of controlling bovine TB in cattle.

The Chair thanked all members of the public for their participation and contributions.

(NB: A copy of the questions and answers are on the agenda page of the meeting on the website and the supplementary questions and answers may be observed through the webcast of this meeting).

There was no Petition received from a Member of the Council.

Answers to questions from Members of the Council pursuant to Standing Order 17.

In accordance with the Council’s Procedure Rules, the relevant Cabinet Members provided written responses to five questions submitted by Members of the Council relating to the following matters

1.    the Council’s X (formally twitter) account and decision to no longer use the platform;

2.    overgrown verges and ensuring policies and practices are legally compliant, enabling pedestrians to be safe and feel safe using highways;

3.    publication of annual Infrastructure statements;

4.    more 20mph speed limits in residential areas, outside schools and enabling people to access buses on busy thoroughfares; and

5.    details of any judicial reviews launched against DCC over the past 12 months and communication thereof.

The relevant Cabinet Members responded orally, as appropriate, to the supplementary questions arising therefrom.

(A copy of the questions and answers are available on the website and the supplementary questions and answers may be observed through the webcast of this meeting).

That in accordance with ‘Regulation 4 of the Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) Regulations 2000’, the Council is asked to receive and approve the Youth Justice Plan (Report of the Director of Children and Young People’s Futures  (CS/24/20)), as recommended by the Cabinet (14 August 2024) (Minute 592 refers and replicated below). The Report is attached.

RESOLVED that the Report, submitted to the Youth Justice Board in accordance with the 30th of June 2024 deadline, be endorsed, including the positive transformation within the service which is being achieved. 

RESOLVED that the Report, submitted to the Youth Justice Board in accordance with the 30th of June 2024 deadline, be endorsed, including the positive transformation within the service which is being achieved. 

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

The Council considered the recommendations of the Cabinet held on 14 August 2024 relating to the adoption by the County Council of the proposed Youth Justice Plan, in accordance with ‘Regulation 4 of the Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) Regulations 2000’. The Plan had been circulated with the agenda.

The Leader of the Council MOVED and Councillor Leadbetter SECONDED

that the recommendations of the Cabinet, as set out at Minute 592, be approved, as outlined below;

RESOLVED that the Report, submitted to the Youth Justice Board in accordance with the 30th of June 2024 deadline, be endorsed, including the positive transformation within the service which is being achieved. 

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

To consider reports from Cabinet Members, as below.

• Public Health, Communities and Equality
• Highway Management
• Organisational Development, Workforce & Digital Transformation

The Council received reports from the relevant Cabinet Members, which had been circulated with the agenda, on matters of interest or service developments relating to their remits which had occurred since the previous meeting or were likely to have an impact in the future, as set out below.

(a)  Public Health, Communities and Equality

(b)  Highway Management

(c)  Organisational Development, Workforce & Digital Transformation

The Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Equality responded to questions on rubble sacks at recycling centres, Pinhoe library, access to dentists, waste upholstered domestic seating (WUDS) under the persistent organic pollutants (POPS) regulations, the deputy Police and Crime Commissioner post, flooding support, access to and the current state of dentistry (including for looked after children), timescales for the web based IT system (outlined in the Report), St Thomas library, disposal of plasterboard and holiday food and activity programmes.

The Cabinet Member for Highway Management responded to questions on utility repairs in Kennford, walkway proposals between Kennford and SW Exeter, Statutory Undertakers, timescale for North Devon Link Road, pothole funding, co-bikes and co-cars, vision zero, resurfacing of the A377, 20mph speed limits, white line painting and a crossing in Appledore.

The Cabinet Member for Organisational Development, Workforce & Digital Transformation responded to a question on the proposed Member Portal.

To receive and adopt and / or approve the Minutes of the under mentioned Committees

In accordance with Standing Order 13(2), the Chair of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the Minutes of the undermentioned meetings of Committees be endorsed.

Appeals Committee                                -         10 June and 8 July 2024

Investment & Pension Fund Committee  -         14 June 2024

Audit Committee                                     -         26 June 2024

Standards Committee                             -         8 July 2024

Children’s Scrutiny                                 -         17 June 2024

Health & Adult Care Scrutiny                  -         24 June 2024

Corporate Infrastructure & Regulatory     -         27 June 2024

Services Scrutiny

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor Connett SECONDED that in relation to minute 69 of the Procedures Committee of the 25 July 2024, paragraph 14.9 of the proposed officer decision guidance, the word ‘will’ replaces the word ‘should’  and in paragraph 14.12 ‘as soon as possible’ is replaced with ‘5 working days’.

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

The Council then considered Minute 70 of the Procedures Committee of 25 July 2024 relating to the proposed delegation from Council of Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act (1972)).

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

In accordance with Standing Order 13(2), the Chair of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the Minutes of the undermentioned meetings of Committees be endorsed.

Appeals Committee                                -         10 June and 8 July 2024

Investment & Pension Fund Committee  -         14 June 2024

Audit Committee                                     -         26 June 2024

Standards Committee                             -         8 July 2024

Children’s Scrutiny                                 -         17 June 2024

Health & Adult Care Scrutiny                  -         24 June 2024

Corporate Infrastructure & Regulatory     -         27 June 2024

Services Scrutiny

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor Connett SECONDED that in relation to minute 69 of the Procedures Committee of the 25 July 2024, paragraph 14.9 of the proposed officer decision guidance, the word ‘will’ replaces the word ‘should’  and in paragraph 14.12 ‘as soon as possible’ is replaced with ‘5 working days’.

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

The Council then considered Minute 70 of the Procedures Committee of 25 July 2024 relating to the proposed delegation from Council of Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act (1972)).

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 576(a)) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Adams and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely: 

This Council notes:

·       Polling from Working Families (a national charity) found 8 in 10 UK parents (82%) would be likely to apply for a job that lists flexible working options, while only 3 in 10 parents (31%) would be likely to apply for a job that does not list flexible working options.

·       Many top UK employers agree that offering flexibility at the point of recruitment is essential.

·       Flexible working is no longer just a ‘nice-to-have’. It’s good for people and good for business—boosting productivity, employee engagement, and staff retention.

·       Councils play a leading role in showcasing positive employment practice through their own actions.

·       Flexible Working has received cross party support with the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill being supported by both the Government and opposition parties.

·       The Civil Service is a proud adopter of Working Families’ 'Happy to Talk Flexible Working’ logo.

This Council resolves to:

·       Work with local employers to promote the benefits of flexible working arrangements for employers and employees.

·       Encourage all local employers to create more flexible working opportunities by advertising all jobs as flexible, unless there are solid business reasons not to.

·       Advertise all council jobs as flexible, unless there are solid business reasons not to, listing the ways in which jobs can be done on a flexible basis in the advert.

·       Use the 'Happy to Talk Flexible Working' logo and strapline on all relevant job adverts.

·

Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report (LDA/24/24) and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

(a) Council welcomes the spirit of the notice of motion, and Members are asked to support the commitment of the Council in promoting flexible working via the ‘happy to talk flexible working’ link on relevant job adverts and ‘proudly flexible by default’ strapline on its careers page and to also note that the motion is reflective of the Council’s current recruitment processes.

(b) Council is asked to note the published recruitment advice for other employers, recently enhanced, but that Council will also continue to work with local businesses and organisations in relation to championing best practice for recruitment and retention, including the role flexible working can play in this regard.

Councillor McInnes MOVED and Councillor Davis SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that the spirit of the Notice of Motion be approved as outlined below.

(a) Council welcomes the spirit of the notice of motion, and Members support the commitment of the Council in promoting flexible working

via the ‘happy to talk flexible working’ link on relevant job adverts and ‘proudly flexible by default’ strapline on its careers page and to also note that the motion is reflective of the Council’s current recruitment processes.

(b) Council notes the published recruitment advice for other

employers, recently enhanced, and Council will also continue to work with local businesses and organisations in relation to championing best practice for recruitment and retention, including the role flexible working can play in this regard.

The amendment in the name of Councillor McInnes was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also CARRIED as the substantive motion.

Pursuant to County Council Minute 297 of 23 May 2024 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Adams: 

This Council notes:

·       Polling from Working Families (a national charity) found 8 in 10 UK parents (82%) would be likely to apply for a job that lists flexible working options, while only 3 in 10 parents (31%) would be likely to apply for a job that does not list flexible working options.

·       Many top UK employers agree that offering flexibility at the point of recruitment is essential.

·       Flexible working is no longer just a ‘nice-to-have’. It’s good for people and good for business—boosting productivity, employee engagement, and staff retention.

·       Councils play a leading role in showcasing positive employment practice through their own actions.

·       Flexible Working has received cross party support with the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill being supported by both the Government and opposition parties.

·       The Civil Service is a proud adopter of Working Families’ 'Happy to Talk Flexible Working’ logo.

This Council resolves to:

·       Work with local employers to promote the benefits of flexible working arrangements for employers and employees.

·       Encourage all local employers to create more flexible working opportunities by advertising all jobs as flexible, unless there are solid business reasons not to.

·       Advertise all council jobs as flexible, unless there are solid business reasons not to, listing the ways in which jobs can be done on a flexible basis in the advert.

·       Use the 'Happy to Talk Flexible Working' logo and strapline on all relevant job adverts.

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 576(a) 10 July 2024:

Councillor McInnes MOVED and Councillor Davis SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that the spirit of the Notice of Motion be approved as outlined below.

(a) Council welcomes the spirit of the notice of motion, and Members support the commitment of the Council in promoting flexible working

via the ‘happy to talk flexible working’ link on relevant job adverts and ‘proudly flexible by default’ strapline on its careers page and to also note that the motion is reflective of the Council’s current recruitment processes.

(b) Council notes the published recruitment advice for other

employers, recently enhanced, and Council will also continue to work with local businesses and organisations in relation to championing best practice for recruitment and retention, including the role flexible working can play in this regard.

The amendment in the name of Councillor McInnes was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also CARRIED as the substantive motion.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 576(b)) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Bailey and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely:

The swift population has fallen by almost 60% in the last thirty years and it is estimated that there will be fewer than 40,000 pairs of swifts remaining in the UK by 2025.

Adding a swift brick to all new homes is an easy and cheap way to help

ensure that swifts have somewhere to roost and nest at the end of their

3,400 mile journey. Introducing mandatory swift bricks will help stem the dramatic decline of this iconic species which was added to the red list in the 2021 UK Conservation Report as a species needing urgent

action.

DCC notes local planning authorities face considerable difficulties in requiring swift bricks to be introduced in new builds as this has to implemented through the lengthy local plan process. That is why we need Michael Gove urgently to change building regulations now to make swift bricks mandatory.

Devon County Council therefore agrees to write to the Secretary of State Michael Gove calling on him to urgently make swift bricks a mandatory requirement in all new housing development.

DCC also agrees to write to all Devon MPs urging them to press Michael Gove to support the mandatory introduction of swift bricks as a matter of urgency in order to stem the decline of swifts.

Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report (LDS/24/24) and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

‘that Council be recommended to support and encourage Devon

Local Planning Authorities to incorporate the relevant Local Nature Recovery Strategy actions required to recover swift populations, such as installing swift bricks, into Local Plan policy and guidance’.

Councillor McInnes MOVED and Councillor Davis SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be amended, as outlined in red below, and:

(a) that Council support and encourage Devon Local Planning Authorities to incorporate the relevant Local Nature Recovery Strategy actions required to recover swift populations, such as installing swift bricks, into Local Plan policy and guidance; and

(b) that Council writes to the Secretary of State and Devon MP’s calling on them to urgently make swift bricks a mandatory requirement in all new housing development.

The amendment (as amended) in the name of Councillor McInnes was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also CARRIED as the substantive motion.

Pursuant to County Council Minute 298 of 23 May 2024 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Bailey that: 

The swift population has fallen by almost 60% in the last thirty years and it is estimated that there will be fewer than 40,000 pairs of swifts remaining in the UK by 2025.

Adding a swift brick to all new homes is an easy and cheap way to help

ensure that swifts have somewhere to roost and nest at the end of their

3,400 mile journey. Introducing mandatory swift bricks will help stem the dramatic decline of this iconic species which was added to the red list in the 2021 UK Conservation Report as a species needing urgent

action.

DCC notes local planning authorities face considerable difficulties in requiring swift bricks to be introduced in new builds as this has to implemented through the lengthy local plan process. That is why we need Michael Gove urgently to change building regulations now to make swift bricks mandatory.

Devon County Council therefore agrees to write to the Secretary of State Michael Gove calling on him to urgently make swift bricks a mandatory requirement in all new housing development.

DCC also agrees to write to all Devon MPs urging them to press Michael Gove to support the mandatory introduction of swift bricks as a matter of urgency in order to stem the decline of swifts.

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 576(b) of 10 July 2024:

Councillor McInnes MOVED and Councillor Davis SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be amended, as outlined in red below, and:

(a) that Council support and encourage Devon Local Planning Authorities to incorporate the relevant Local Nature Recovery Strategy actions required to recover swift populations, such as installing swift bricks, into Local Plan policy and guidance; and

(b) that Council writes to the Secretary of State and Devon MP’s calling on them to urgently make swift bricks a mandatory requirement in all new housing development.

The amendment (as amended) in the name of Councillor McInnes was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also CARRIED as the substantive motion.

Councillor Connett to move:

Devon County Council notes the recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal winter fuel payments and restrict eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credits and other benefits.

Though many agree that universal Winter Fuel Payments are not necessary, Council is deeply concerned that many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will now not receive the payments. Across England and Wales the number of people eligible for winter fuel payments will fall by 10 million (from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million).

In the Devon County Council area, the number of pensioners affected by the change in eligibility criteria is 180,579 That means around nine in 10 pensioners currently eligible for winter fuel payments will no longer be able to claim the payment from this winter onwards.

Council believes that the Labour Government has set the threshold at which pensioners do not qualify for Winter Fuel Payments far too low. Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for pension credits. This is significantly lower than the living wage rate.

Council is also concerned by the low take up of pension credit with only 63% of those eligible nationwide receiving them – and over 880,000 pensioners not doing so. Council recognises the role we have to play to increase awareness of benefits such as Pension Credit to ensure people are aware of the support they are entitled to.

Council further notes that the Energy Price Cap is due to rise by 10% in October, which combined by the removal of Winter Fuel Payments will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty.  

Council resolves to:

·       Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the policy on linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipt to be immediately paused and introduce a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments.

·       Council further requests the Chief Executive write to all MPs covering the Devon County Council area asking them to give their formal support to halting the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility. 

·       Request all group leaders within Devon County Council sign a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the new Winter Fuel Payment policy to be suspended and reviewed. 

·       Urgently commence a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of pension credits. This will include use of Council noticeboards, social media, promotion in local press and, working with Devon district councils and Citizens Advice, targeted letters to those who may be eligible.

Devon County Council notes the recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal winter fuel payments and restrict eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credits and other benefits.

Though many agree that universal Winter Fuel Payments are not necessary, Council is deeply concerned that many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will now not receive the payments. Across England and Wales the number of people eligible for winter fuel payments will fall by 10 million (from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million).

In the Devon County Council area, the number of pensioners affected by the change in eligibility criteria is 180,579 That means around nine in 10 pensioners currently eligible for winter fuel payments will no longer be able to claim the payment from this winter onwards.

Council believes that the Labour Government has set the threshold at which pensioners do not qualify for Winter Fuel Payments far too low. Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for pension credits. This is significantly lower than the living wage rate.

Council is also concerned by the low take up of pension credit with only 63% of those eligible nationwide receiving them – and over 880,000 pensioners not doing so. Council recognises the role we have to play to increase awareness of benefits such as Pension Credit to ensure people are aware of the support they are entitled to.

Council further notes that the Energy Price Cap is due to rise by 10% in October, which combined by the removal of Winter Fuel Payments will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty.  

Council resolves to:

·       Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the policy on linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipt to be immediately paused and introduce a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments.

·   Council further requests the Chief Executive write to all MPs covering the Devon County Council area asking them to give their formal support to halting the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility. 

·       Request all group leaders within Devon County Council sign a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the new Winter Fuel Payment policy to be suspended and reviewed. 

·       Urgently commence a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of pension credits. This will include use of council noticeboards, social media, promotion in local press and, working with Devon district councils and Citizens Advice, targeted letters to those who may be eligible.

Councillor Connett MOVED and Councillor Davis SECONDED that the vote be taken by roll call.

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

The substantive Motion was then put to the vote and also declared CARRIED.

(The Director of Legal and Democratic Services had reviewed the matter of interests and agreed that the Council’s general dispensation covered any Members in receipt of a state pension or winter fuel allowance).

Councillor Connett MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that in accordance with Standing Order 6(6), the Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Connett be considered at this meeting.

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

Councillor Connett then MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED;

Devon County Council notes the recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal winter fuel payments and restrict eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credits and other benefits.

Though many agree that universal Winter Fuel Payments are not necessary, Council is deeply concerned that many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will now not receive the payments. Across England and Wales the number of people eligible for winter fuel payments will fall by 10 million (from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million).

In the Devon County Council area, the number of pensioners affected by the change in eligibility criteria is 180,579 That means around nine in 10 pensioners currently eligible for winter fuel payments will no longer be able to claim the payment from this winter onwards.

Council believes that the Labour Government has set the threshold at which pensioners do not qualify for Winter Fuel Payments far too low. Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for pension credits. This is significantly lower than the living wage rate.

Council is also concerned by the low take up of pension credit with only 63% of those eligible nationwide receiving them – and over 880,000 pensioners not doing so. Council recognises the role we have to play to increase awareness of benefits such as Pension Credit to ensure people are aware of the support they are entitled to.

Council further notes that the Energy Price Cap is due to rise by 10% in October, which combined by the removal of Winter Fuel Payments will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty.  

Council resolves to:

·       Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the policy on linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipt to be immediately paused and introduce a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments. Council further requests the Chief Executive write to all MPs covering the Devon County Council area asking them to give their formal support to halting the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility. 

·       Request all group leaders within Devon County Council sign a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the new Winter Fuel Payment policy to be suspended and reviewed. 

·       Urgently commence a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of pension credits. This will include use of council noticeboards, social media, promotion in local press and, working with Devon district councils and Citizens Advice, targeted letters to those  ...  view the full minutes text for item 312.

Councillor Hodgson to move:

Further to withdrawing over £2 million in investments from companies selling arms to Israel. Devon County Council now commits to investigating withdrawing the £84 million that remains invested through

its investments and pension funds in such companies, including Rolls Royce (£1,951,241), Barclays Bank (£12,889,533), BAE Systems (£4,969,449), and Babcock (£360,850).

Devon County Council seeks immediate withdrawal of these investments, particularly in light of the tragic loss of over 20,000 children in Gaza. Our pension fund should not support activities contributing to such atrocities.

Devon County Council seeks to fully divest from these companies and to uphold values of peace, justice, and ethical responsibility.

In accordance with Standing Order 6(6) the Notice of Motion was referred, without discussion, to the Investment and Pension Fund Committee for consideration.

Councillor Hodgson MOVED and Councillor Gent SECONDED that in accordance with Standing Order 6(6), the Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Hodgson be considered at this meeting.

The Motion was put to the vote and declared LOST.

Councillor Hodgson then MOVED and Councillor Gent SECONDED

Further to withdrawing over £2 million in investments from companies selling arms to Israel. Devon County Council now commits to investigating withdrawing the £84 million that remains invested through

its investments and pension funds in such companies, including Rolls Royce (£1,951,241), Barclays Bank (£12,889,533), BAE Systems (£4,969,449), and Babcock (£360,850).

Devon County Council seeks immediate withdrawal of these investments, particularly in light of the tragic loss of over 20,000 children in Gaza. Our pension fund should not support activities contributing to such atrocities.

Devon County Council seeks to fully divest from these companies and to uphold values of peace, justice, and ethical responsibility.

In accordance with Standing Order 6(6) the Notice of Motion was referred, without discussion, to the Investment and Pension Fund Committee for consideration.

Councillor Letch to move:

The Young Carers Covenant is a UK-wide commitment to young carers and young adult carers, setting out ten key outcomes that young carers from across the UK have said are key to improving their lives. It was drawn up by Carers Trust and members of the Young Carers Alliance and was launched on Young Carers Action Day 2024.

Any organisation or individual in a position to take action to help achieve these outcomes is urged to sign up to the Covenant.

The work to date by the Council on supporting the covenant is welcomed, but the Council and its Members are asked to continue this journey, sign the young carers covenant and undertake to implement its aims.

In accordance with Standing Order 6(6) the Notice of Motion was referred, without discussion, to the Cabinet for consideration.

Councillor Letch MOVED and Councillor Leaver SECONDED

The Young Carers Covenant is a UK-wide commitment to young carers and young adult carers, setting out ten key outcomes that young carers from across the UK have said are key to improving their lives. It was drawn up by Carers Trust and members of the Young Carers Alliance and was launched on Young Carers Action Day 2024.

Any organisation or individual in a position to take action to help achieve these outcomes is urged to sign up to the Covenant.

The work to date by the Council on supporting the covenant is welcomed, but the Council and its Members are asked to continue this journey, sign the young carers covenant and undertake to implement its aims.

In accordance with Standing Order 6(6) the Notice of Motion was referred, without discussion, to the Cabinet for consideration.

Councillor Leaver to move:

The commitment of the new Labour Government to Devolution is welcomed by Devon County Council.

Council now believes it is possible to negotiate a much better devolution deal for Devon than the spartan arrangements approved by the last Government which disregarded and marginalised the value and importance of the City, Borough and District Councils in the County.

Council seeks a genuine partnership with local councils across the county council area and partner councils in establishing a new devolution deal that will help deliver and secure jobs, skills and economic development, along with much needed socially affordable housing, and help develop our education and healthcare sectors among others.

This Council therefore calls for no further action to be taken on the old Devon/Torbay devolution deal and for the Council to open new discussions with the Government on a revised deal for Devon, including Torbay and Plymouth and to also invite other councils neighbouring Devon to participate.

In accordance with Standing Order 6(6) the Notice of Motion was referred, without discussion, to the Cabinet for consideration.

Councillor Leaver MOVED and Councillor Thomas  SECONDED that in accordance with Standing Order 6(6), the Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Leaver be considered at this meeting.

The Motion was put to the vote and declared LOST.

Councillor Leaver thenMOVED and Councillor Thomas SECONDED

The commitment of the new Labour Government to Devolution is welcomed by Devon County Council.

Council now believes it is possible to negotiate a much better devolution deal for Devon than the spartan arrangements approved by the last Government which disregarded and marginalised the value and importance of the City, Borough and District Councils in the County.

Council seeks a genuine partnership with local councils across the county council area and partner councils in establishing a new devolution deal that will help deliver and secure jobs, skills and economic development, along with much needed socially affordable housing, and help develop our education and healthcare sectors among others.

This Council therefore calls for no further action to be taken on the old Devon/Torbay devolution deal and for the Council to open new discussions with the Government on a revised deal for Devon, including Torbay and Plymouth and to also invite other councils neighbouring Devon to participate.

In accordance with Standing Order 6(6) the Notice of Motion was referred, without discussion, to the Cabinet for consideration.