Efforts to shield vital community services and strengthen local resilience have taken centre stage as councillors reflect on a year shaped by financial pressure and rising demand.
A report from Mid Devon District Council’s Community, People and Equalities Policy Development Group (PDG) outlines how members have focused on supporting residents through the cost-of-living crisis while maintaining essential services.
The group, which oversees areas directly affecting residents’ daily lives, examined increasing demand for welfare support, advice services and community-based provision. It also considered the wider impact of local government funding pressures and ongoing reorganisation proposals.
Councillor Ben Holdman, chair of the Communities, People and Equalities PDG, said: “The PDG is at the heart of the Council’s relationship with its residents.”
He added: “Throughout the year, we have sought to ensure that decision-making has remained grounded in fairness, evidence, and a strong understanding of local need.”
Members reviewed quarterly performance reports covering finance, risk and service delivery, alongside updates on housing demand, changes in social housing legislation and improvements in food safety inspections.
The group also assessed the council’s Medium-Term Financial Plan for 2026/27 to 2028/29, highlighting concerns about how funding reductions could affect community-focused services. Members stressed the importance of protecting preventative and early-intervention support.
A strategic grants programme of £120,000 per year was recommended, recognising both the value of voluntary organisations and the financial constraints facing the authority.
The council also hosted a “Meet the Funders” networking event, bringing together voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations with funding bodies and support agencies. The initiative aimed to reduce barriers to funding and encourage collaboration.
Cllr Holdman said: “I want to thank all Officers involved for the organisation and delivery of the event.”
The PDG received a presentation from Citizens Advice covering Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon, highlighting the scale and complexity of issues facing residents. Members noted the role of early advice in preventing problems from escalating and easing pressure on public services.
Further work will explore funding arrangements for advice services, including whether longer-term grants could provide greater stability.
The group also reviewed the council’s resilience strategy, recognising its importance in responding to emergencies and supporting recovery. Members pointed to growing risks linked to climate change, severe weather and infrastructure challenges, and backed plans to support towns and parishes in developing community emergency plans.
In addition, councillors considered the Food Safety Service Plan, which covers statutory duties including inspections, infectious disease control and regulation of tattooing and piercing premises.
