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 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 - 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 5 December 2024 and the special meeting of 9 January 2025, previously circulated.

The Chair of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the minutes of the meeting held on 5 December 2024 and the special meeting of the 9^th January 2025 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 5 December 2024 and the special meeting of the 9^th January 2025 be signed as a correct record.

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

The Chair of the Council reported on the sad passing of two former County Councillors.

Former County, District and Town Councillor Sylvia Russell had been first elected to the Council in 1986, serving a number of separate terms up until 2021. She had also been the mayor of Teignmouth Town Council.

Former County Councillor Saxon Spence and Freeman of the City had been elected to the shadow Devon County Council in 1973 for the Exeter No 6 Division serving until 1977, and again for that Division from 1981 until 1985. From 1985 to 2005, she served the Pinhoe and Whipton (Exeter) Division, and then until 2013 as local Councillor for Pinhoe and Mincinglake. She had led the Labour Group from 1985-2013 and had been awarded Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2000 for services to local government.

The Chair then congratulated the Council’s Coroner’s Administrative Team who had received a visit from the High Sheriff of Devon, Commodore Jake Moores in December to present them with a certificate of commendation for their excellent work.

The Chair also reflected on a recent royal visit, where Her Majesty Queen Camilla visited the Council’s partner organisation Exeter CoLab on 6 February, the visit highlighted the essential and valuable work they carry out, particularly the ambition of CoLab Women.  

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 updates or announcements made.

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 Mr Elwood with a Petition from residents of Dartmouth regarding Warfleet Road and its closure. The petition called on the Council to repair and reopen Warfleet Road as a matter of urgency. The petition contained approximately 2200 signatures.

The Leader indicated that the relevant Cabinet Member or Director would be asked to respond direct to the petitioner on the issues raised, within 15 days.

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

1. Warfleet Road, Dartmouth, role of the Highways Act 1980 and why the Council had not kept open one of only two main thoroughfares in and out of Dartmouth;
2. Warfleet Road, Dartmouth, knowledge of the instability of the wall, inspections and why the committed works had not happened yet;
3. Warfleet Road, Dartmouth and impacts on minor roads, emergency services, accidents and blockages and communication with residents;
4. How Highways were intending to inform Residents and Businesses with a time-bounded plan for reopening;
5. Consideration of the RNIB's objection to the introduction of floating bus stops;
6. Clarification of dates regarding the RNIB position on bus stop bypasses and notification to the Council's Highway and Transport Planners

The Cabinet Member also responded orally to the supplementary questions arising from the above.

The question responses had also 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 Marilyn Lant on Rifford Road, Exeter, from Mr Cleasby on the Council’s public participation guidance and Mr Hyde from the Royal National Institute of Blind People, who addressed the Council on the position of the RNIB on the instillation of floating bus stops.

The Chair responded at the meeting, thanking all the public for their contributions.

(NB: A copy of the questions and answers are appended to these minutes and any 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 four questions submitted by Members of the Council relating to the following matters.

1. For the current and past two financial years, the number of children in the Devon County Council area currently receiving Free School Meals.
2. Outcome of Council’s discussions with District Council’s concerning the homelessness grant proposals from last year.
3. How many children in the council's area could be entitled to free school meals but do not claim them;
4. For the current and past two financial years, how many pothole repairs had failed and had to be repaired a second time; and

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

(A copy of the questions and answers are appended to the minutes and any supplementary questions and answers may be observed through the webcast of this meeting)

In the exercise of its Public Sector Equality Duty, as set out below, the County Council must have full regard to and consider the impact of any proposals in relation to equalities prior to making any decisions and any identified significant risks and mitigating action required. The overview of the impact assessments for all service areas entitled ‘2025/26 Budget Impact Assessment’ has been circulated separately and is available to all Members of the Council for consideration under this item (alongside any specific equality impact assessments undertaken as part of the budget’s preparation) at Budget Impact Assessments - Impact Assessment - https://www.devon.gov.uk/impact/published/budget-impact-assessments/

To receive and approve the Report of the Director of Finance (DFP/25/19) together with the Minutes of the Cabinet held on 14^th February 2025 relating to the budget.

Minutes from the recent Scrutiny Budget meetings (Health and Adult Care Scrutiny – 27^th January 2025, Children’s Scrutiny – 28^th January 2025, and Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services on 30^th January 2025) are also attached for the information of Members and contain the Scrutiny Budget Resolutions.

The Report of the Director of Finance and Public Value will follow.

The Cabinet Minutes from the 14^th February 2025 will be available to view at https://democracy.devon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=133&MId=5061&Ver=4 shortly after the meeting.

The Chair of the Council MOVED that the Minutes of the Children’s Scrutiny, Health and Adult Care Scrutiny and Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Budget Scrutiny Committee meetings held on the 27th, 28th and 30^th January 2025 relating to the annual estimates be approved.

The MOTION was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

The Chair of the Council MOVED, and it was duly SECONDED that in accordance with Standing Order 30, Standing Order 14(4) be suspended to permit more than one motion or amendment to be debated at the same time.

The MOTION was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

Councillor McInnes MOVED and Councillor Twiss SECONDED that Cabinet Minute 702 (a - s) setting out the proposed revenue and capital budgets as detailed in Report (DFP/25/19) be approved.

Councillor Hodgson MOVED and Councillor Biederman SECONDED an amendment:

That Cabinet Minute (702 (a) – (s)) (14 February 2025) (Revenue Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2025/26 - 2028/29 and Capital Programme 2025/26 - 2029/30) be amended by the addition of the following and all necessary changes be made to the detailed budgets:

Further to the CIRS committee’s unanimously supported recommendation to reinstate the Councillor’s Locality budget at £8,000 per Member, I propose that the revenue budget 2025/26 is amended to accommodate this recommendation, and further propose that the £180,000 additional funding required to finance this uplift is taken from the Community Grants element of the Commissioning/Grants budget line within Communities. The Commissioning/Grants budget would therefore be reduced from £1.176 million down to £996,000”

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

All Members of the Council had been granted a dispensation to allow them to speak and vote in any debate on the setting of the Council Tax or Precept or any fees and charges arising therefrom as a consequence of simply being a resident of or a land, business or property owner in the administrative County of Devon or by being a County Council representative on a local authority company or joint venture or by being a parent / carer or guardian of a child in a school on any matter relating to school meals and school transport, or in relation to being an approved foster parent, providing placements for the Council’s Children in Care or in relation to the setting of members’ allowances or the receipt of allowances from another Authority or as a parent or a guardian of a child in care or in receipt of statutory sick pay or a pension.

Members were also reminded of the need to be compliant with the requirements of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (section 106).

The Council considered the Minutes of the Cabinet meeting (Minute 702 (a - s) of 14^th February 2025), together with the Report of the Director of Finance and Public Value on the Revenue Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2025/26 - 2028/29 and Capital Programme 2025/26 - 2029/30 (DFP/25/19).

This covered the Revenue Budget and Capital Programme for 2025/26, together with the Medium Term Financial Plan, Capital Strategy and Treasury Management Strategy for the 5 year period 2025/26 to 2029/30. These included an assessment of the robustness of the budget estimates and adequacy of reserves, a range of prudential indicators concerning the financial implications of the capital programme and an assessment that identifies risks associated with the budget strategy, together with how these risks will be managed.

The Leadership commentary had highlighted that a sustainable budget that supported financial resilience was central to the ability of the Council to provide services for people and communities across the county. Setting the 2025/26 budget had been a complex exercise demanding difficult decisions and hard choices, recognising that inflationary pressures continued to be felt across the economy, local government and partners.

The budget for 2025/26 would be a balance between the resources available, the Council’s priorities, and the requirement to provide best value services

The detail of the budget book included:

•      Revenue Budget Overview;

•      Strategic Leadership Team Introduction;

•      Statement on the Robustness of the Budget Estimates, the Adequacy

         of Reserves and Affordability of the Capital Strategy;

•      Capital Programme Overview 2025/26 - 2029/30 and Revisions to the

         2024/25 Capital Programme;

•      Service Revenue Budgets;

•      Fees & Charges;

•      Medium Term Financial Strategy 2025/26;

•      County Fund Balance and Earmarked Reserves;

•      Treasury Management Strategy 2025/26 and Prudential Indicators

         2025/26 and revision to the 2024/25 Treasury Management Strategy;

•      Capital Strategy 2025/26 and Revision to Capital Strategy 2024/25;

•      Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy; and

•      Risk Analysis of Volatile Budgets.

The Chair of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 349.

To receive and approve the Councils Pay Policy Statement, as recommended by the Appointments, Remuneration and Chief Officer Conduct Committee (13 January 2025) (Minute 99 refers). The minutes of that meeting and Pay Policy Statement are attached to this agenda.

The Leader of the Council MOVED and Councillor Davis SECONDED that the recommendations of the Appointments, Remuneration and Chief Officer Conduct Committee be approved and that the Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26 (and consequential changes to the Council’s Constitution) as set out at Minute 99 of that Committee be endorsed and the Constitution amended accordingly.

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

The Council considered the recommendations of the Appointments, Remuneration and Chief Officer Conduct Committee held on 13 January 2025 relating to the adoption by the County Council of the proposed Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26.

The Leader of the Council MOVED and Councillor Davis SECONDED that the recommendations of the Appointments, Remuneration and Chief Officer Conduct Committee be approved and that the Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26 (and consequential changes to the Council’s Constitution) as set out at Minute 99 of that Committee be endorsed and the Constitution amended accordingly.

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

To consider reports from Cabinet Members.

The Council received a Report from the Leader on matters of interest or service developments relating to his remit which had occurred since the previous meeting or were likely to have an impact in the, as set out below:

The Report provided information relating to the portfolio for Policy, Corporate and Asset Management which included the overall strategic direction and the development of external relations and partnerships including Team Devon, and oversight of the formulation and coordination of corporate planning and policy development within the Council’s Policy and Budget Framework and, in particular, the oversight of its governance and external affairs arrangements. The portfolio also included responsibility for the management of the Council’s property, the use of its assets and the development of its estates, including the schools’ and education property portfolio and the Farms Estate.

Updates were provided on external partnerships, corporate governance and asset management, including the property strategy and capital receipts.

He also responded to questions on co-location sites and public participation guidance for meetings.

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                                -         6 January & 3 February 2025

Development Management Committee   -         5 February 2025

Procedures Committee                           -         6 February 2025

This includes approval of Minute 84 relating to the recommendations of the Report of the Independent Members Allowances Remuneration Panel for 2025/2026 (wef May 2025). The recommendations outlined in full in the minutes of the Procedures Committee meeting.

Also approval of Minute 85 relating to the proposed amendments to the Council’s Public Participation Scheme. The amended text had been circulated with the agenda.

Appointments, Remuneration and

Chief Office Conduct Committee             -         12 January & 12 February

2025  

Including endorsement of Minute 106 and the appointment of Amy Howard to the post of Deputy Director of Integrated Adult Social Care – Operations.

Health & Adult Care Scrutiny                  -         27 January 2025

Children’s Scrutiny                                 -         28 January 2025

Corporate Infrastructure & Regulatory     -         30 January 2025

Services Scrutiny

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                                     -           6 January & 3 February 2025

Development Management Committee    -           5 February 2025

Procedures Committee                               -           6 February 2025

This includes approval of Minute 84 relating to the recommendations of the Report of the Independent Members Allowances Remuneration Panel for 2025/2026 (wef May 2025). The recommendations outlined in full in the minutes of the Procedures Committee meeting.

Also approval of Minute 85 relating to the proposed amendments to the Council’s Public Participation Scheme. The amended text had been circulated with the agenda.

Appointments, Remuneration and

Chief Office Conduct Committee               -           12 January & 12 February

2025  

Including endorsement of Minute 106 and the appointment of Amy Howard to the post of Deputy Director of Integrated Adult Social Care – Operations.

Health & Adult Care Scrutiny                     -           27 January 2025

Children’s Scrutiny                                      -           28 January 2025

Corporate Infrastructure & Regulatory     -           30 January 2025

Services Scrutiny

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 680(a)) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Atkinson and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely: 

That Devon County Council as the transport authority together with the new combined authority, gives serious consideration to take advantage of the package of measures announced by the Transport Secretary on 9th September 2024 to empower local leaders to take control of their bus services . The expectation is that these measures will be the first stop on the journey to better buses.

The Council  undertakes to report into  the feasibility of these proposals for Devon and how these powers  may be used to improve bus services.

That the County Council consider bringing strategic partners such as  District Councils into the discussion, as the provision of effective bus services is something that affects us all and does not recognise boundaries.

Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report (LDS/25/1) and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

that the Council;

(a) Welcomes the increased focus on improving local bus services;

(b) Builds on the success of the current Devon Enhanced Partnership by closer working with Torbay Council and other strategic partners through the new Combined Authority; and

(c) Asks Officers to review content of the Buses Bill currently proceeding through Parliament to see what future options are available for the new Combined Authority.

that Council;

(a) welcomes the increased focus on improving local bus services;

(b) Builds on the success of the current Devon Enhanced Partnership by closer working with Torbay Council and other strategic partners through the new Combined Authority; and

(c) Asks Officers to review content of the Buses Bill currently proceeding through Parliament to see what future options are available for the new Combined Authority.

Pursuant to County Council Minute 332 of 5 December 2024 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Atkinson: 

That Devon County Council as the transport authority together with the new combined authority, gives serious consideration to take advantage of the package of measures announced by the Transport Secretary on 9th September 2024 to empower local leaders to take control of their bus services. The expectation is that these measures will be the first stop on the journey to better buses.

The Council undertakes to report into the feasibility of these proposals for Devon and how these powers may be used to improve bus services.

That the County Council consider bringing strategic partners such as District Councils into the discussion, as the provision of effective bus services is something that affects us all and does not recognise boundaries.

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 680(a) of 8 January 2025:

Councillor McInnes MOVED and Councillor Davis SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that Notice of Motion be amended as follows;

that Council;

(a) welcomes the increased focus on improving local bus services;

(b) Builds on the success of the current Devon Enhanced Partnership by closer working with Torbay Council and other strategic partners through the new Combined Authority; and

(c) Asks Officers to review content of the Buses Bill currently proceeding through Parliament to see what future options are available for the new Combined Authority.

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 680(b)) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Aves and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely 

This Council Notes:

On 18 November the Department for Education published a policy statement  ‘Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families Thrive’, its new Children’s Social Care policy statement, setting out the government’s vision for reform and a legislative agenda to reset the children’s social care system, both in terms of how national government collaborates with local government, but also in taking a whole system approach to reform.

The Secretary of State states she wants to break down barriers to opportunity. The document also outlines a commitment to support children to live in family settings where children cannot remain at home, including through kinship or foster care, rather than residential care.

The Devon County Labour Group supports this aim and believes Devon County Council must commit to further strengthen what it does to keep families together and children safe.

Alongside this, the statement sets out ambitions to fix the broken care market, invest in key enablers and ensure the system is working effectively for vulnerable children and families.

A Guardian article on children’s homes on 18^th November pointed out that three years ago the Competition and Markets Authority found Children’s homeowners in England, Scotland and Wales were making excessive profits, while carrying too much debt - exposing children and councils to unacceptable risks and exploiting children for profit.

The needs of children rather than market forces should shape where children’s homes are placed, and that children are placed in the most appropriate homes.

This Council resolves to:

1.    work with the new government to reset and improve the children’s social care system in Devon as set out in the new document  ‘Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families Thrive’ from The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities .

2.    welcome the new powers for Ofsted to investigate multiple homes being run by the same company, acting on the recommendations made in response to stop abuse from happening in children’s homes.

3.    improve the residential care opportunities in Devon to keep children in care near families, friends, and their school where appropriate.

4.    increase the number of in-house residential care facilities and use not-for-profit providers, and, become involved in the setting up of Regional Care Co-operatives.

5.    give a secure undertaking that they will not place children in homes that are unregistered or just for profit.

6.    provide or use not-for-profit homes where children and care experienced young people have access to properly trained staff who are able to give them the support, skills, and connections to friends and relatives that will continue to support them throughout their life.

Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report (LDS/25/1) and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that  ...  view the full agenda text for item 354.

That Council:

(a) notes that on the 17th December 2024, the Government published the “Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill” which sets out the proposed legislative framework for achieving these changes. A specific focus of the policy statement and the bill is the management of and improvements to the care market for children in care and, as such, requests a Report from the Director of Children and Young People’s Futures on the implications of the measures contained within the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill;

(b) notes and welcomes that over the last 12 months, Children’s Services have increased the provision of residential care for children (both respite care for children with disabilities and mainstream children’s home provision) and of supported accommodation for care experienced people;

(c) welcomes the ongoing work with local providers to improve relationships and to provide “Devon Placements for Devon’s Children”, noting the specific focus on reducing the use of unregistered children’s homes;

(d) welcomes the new powers for Ofsted to investigate multiple homes being run by the same company, acting on the recommendations made in response to stop abuse from happening in children’s homes;

(e) continues to improve the residential care opportunities in Devon to keep children in care near families, friends, and their school where appropriate;

(f) increases the number of in-house residential care facilities and use not-for-profit providers, and, become involved in the setting up of Regional Care Co-operatives;

(g) continues to reduce the number of children in unregistered children’s homes; and

(h) where possible, provide or use not-for-profit homes where children and care experienced young people have access to properly trained staff who are able to give them the support, skills, and connections to friends and relatives that will continue to support them throughout their life.

Pursuant to County Council Minute 333 of 5 December 2025 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Aves that: 

This Council Notes:

On 18 November the Department for Education published a policy statement  ‘Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families Thrive’, its new Children’s Social Care policy statement, setting out the government’s vision for reform and a legislative agenda to reset the children’s social care system, both in terms of how national government collaborates with local government, but also in taking a whole system approach to reform.

The Secretary of State states she wants to break down barriers to opportunity. The document also outlines a commitment to support children to live in family settings where children cannot remain at home, including through kinship or foster care, rather than residential care.

The Devon County Labour Group supports this aim and believes Devon County Council must commit to further strengthen what it does to keep families together and children safe.

Alongside this, the statement sets out ambitions to fix the broken care market, invest in key enablers and ensure the system is working effectively for vulnerable children and families.

A Guardian article on children’s homes on 18^th November pointed out that three years ago the Competition and Markets Authority found Children’s homeowners in England, Scotland and Wales were making excessive profits, while carrying too much debt - exposing children and councils to unacceptable risks and exploiting children for profit.

The needs of children rather than market forces should shape where children’s homes are placed, and that children are placed in the most appropriate homes.

This Council resolves to:

1.    work with the new government to reset and improve the children’s social care system in Devon as set out in the new document  ‘Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families Thrive’ from The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities .

2.    welcome the new powers for Ofsted to investigate multiple homes being run by the same company, acting on the recommendations made in response to stop abuse from happening in children’s homes.

3.    improve the residential care opportunities in Devon to keep children in care near families, friends, and their school where appropriate.

4.    increase the number of in-house residential care facilities and use not-for-profit providers, and, become involved in the setting up of Regional Care Co-operatives.

5.    give a secure undertaking that they will not place children in homes that are unregistered or just for profit.

6.    provide or use not-for-profit homes where children and care experienced young people have access to properly trained staff who are able to give them the support, skills, and connections to friends and relatives that will continue to support them throughout their life.

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 680(b) 8 January 2025:

Councillor McInnes MOVED and Councillor Davis SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 354.

Councillor Atkinson to move:

This Council notes that  it is the Government’s intention  to introduce legislation to lower the voting age before the next General election.

This council supports  the commitment of the Government to give 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote in elections and requests that legislation is  brought forward as soon as possible.

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

Councillor Atkinson MOVED and Councillor Asvachin SECONDED

This Council notes that  it is the Government’s intention  to introduce legislation to lower the voting age before the next General election.

This council supports  the commitment of the Government to give 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote in elections and requests that legislation is  brought forward as soon as possible.

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

Councillor Leaver to move:

Council notes:

The 1995 and 2011 Pension Act saw the State Pension age for women rise from 60 to 66 but the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) failed to adequately communicate these changes.  Tens of thousands of women were plunged into poverty.  One-in-four struggled to buy food and one third fell into debt.

A landmark Ombudsman report in March 2024 told the Government to pay compensation and apologise to 3.6 million, women born in the 1950’s who were affected by the lack of communication in relation to their State Pension age.  The report concluded ministers failed to properly notify those impacted by the changes.

The government recently announced that there will be no financial compensation for WASPI women, despite the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) report which recommended between £1,000 and £2,950 compensation foreach woman affected.  Urgent action is imperative as more than 290,000 WASPI women have tragically died since the campaign began; another dies every 13 minutes.  The longer the Government prevaricates, the fewer women they will have to pay compensation to.

Last month the House of Commons passed a vote on a Bill that would compel the government to establish a compensation scheme for women who lost out financially from the rise in state mention age. The vote means the Bill has passed the first hurdle but will only become law with the backing of government.

Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) calls for fair and fast compensation for the financial and emotional hardship caused by DWP failures.  WASPI argues for the highest level of compensation for the worst affected, i.e., women who had the shortest notice of the longest increase to their state pension.  The worst affected women received just 18 months’ notice of a six year increase to their state pension age. WASPI continues to call for All Members of Parliament (MP’s) to support the urgent delivery of fair and fast compensation to all those affected; and compensation scheme proposals should be brought before MPs to vote on as quickly as possible.

Council believes:

-       All political parties in Devon should be calling for support and compensation for the 1950’s-born women affected.

-       It is unacceptable for the DWP and the Government to “listen respectfully” while not compensating the WASPI women.

-       Devon County Council should condemn the lack of recognition in both the Conservative and Labour 2024 General Election manifestos.  Released on 13 June, the 2024 Labour manifesto contained no reference at all to WASPI compensation or the recent Ombudsman report. The Liberal Democrats were the only nationwide party that pledged to provide compensation to the WASPI women.

-       Devon County Council should urge all MPs in Devon to vote in favour of the Bill when it reaches its second reading.

Council resolves:

1. To publicly voice its disappointment and frustration with the previous and current Governments for failing to back fair and fast compensation for WASPI women in General Election manifestos, and the absence of commitment to improve  ...  view the full agenda text for item 356.

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 Connett SECONDED

Council notes:

The 1995 and 2011 Pension Act saw the State Pension age for women rise from 60 to 66 but the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) failed to adequately communicate these changes.  Tens of thousands of women were plunged into poverty.  One-in-four struggled to buy food and one third fell into debt.

A landmark Ombudsman report in March 2024 told the Government to pay compensation and apologise to 3.6 million, women born in the 1950’s who were affected by the lack of communication in relation to their State Pension age.  The report concluded ministers failed to properly notify those impacted by the changes.

The government recently announced that there will be no financial compensation for WASPI women, despite the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) report which recommended between £1,000 and £2,950 compensation foreach woman affected.  Urgent action is imperative as more than 290,000 WASPI women have tragically died since the campaign began; another dies every 13 minutes.  The longer the Government prevaricates, the fewer women they will have to pay compensation to.

Last month the House of Commons passed a vote on a Bill that would compel the government to establish a compensation scheme for women who lost out financially from the rise in state mention age. The vote means the Bill has passed the first hurdle but will only become law with the backing of government.

Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) calls for fair and fast compensation for the financial and emotional hardship caused by DWP failures.  WASPI argues for the highest level of compensation for the worst affected, i.e., women who had the shortest notice of the longest increase to their state pension.  The worst affected women received just 18 months’ notice of a six year increase to their state pension age. WASPI continues to call for All Members of Parliament (MP’s) to support the urgent delivery of fair and fast compensation to all those affected; and compensation scheme proposals should be brought before MPs to vote on as quickly as possible.

Council believes:

-      All political parties in Devon should be calling for support and compensation for the 1950’s-born women affected.

-      It is unacceptable for the DWP and the Government to “listen respectfully” while not compensating the WASPI women.

-      Devon County Council should condemn the lack of recognition in both the Conservative and Labour 2024 General Election manifestos.  Released on 13 June, the 2024 Labour manifesto contained no reference at all to WASPI compensation or the recent Ombudsman report. The Liberal Democrats were the only nationwide party that pledged to provide compensation to the WASPI women.

-      Devon County Council should urge all MPs in Devon to vote in favour of the Bill when it reaches its second reading.

Council resolves:

1. To publicly voice its disappointment and frustration with the previous and current Governments for failing to back fair and fast compensation for WASPI women in General Election manifestos, and the absence of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 356.