We have been celebrating our work with local communities at our Annual Council today.
As well as appointing our new Chair, the 2025-26 Annual Report, ‘Working for our communities’ was endorsed. This highlights some of the work that has been done with local communities across the district over the past 12 months.
The publication, which can be found here, includes examples of how we have been achieving our ambitions such as delivering healthy, warm and affordable homes across the district. It also highlights how we have supported communities to do more for the environment through rewilding projects and the ongoing mission to plant a tree for every resident.
During the Leader’s annual statement, Cllr Dan Thomas introduced the report, which also outlines initiatives to increase footfall in local towns, invest in community facilities, and continue delivering good quality services.
Cllr Jacqi Hodgson was elected as the new Chair for the coming year at the meeting.
The Ward Member for Dartington and Staverton accepted the chain of office from outgoing Chairman, Cllr Bernard Taylor. Cllr Guy Pannell was re-appointed as our Vice-Chair.
Cllr Jacqi Hodgson said: “I would like to thank all our Members for electing me to the role of Chair for the year ahead. I look forward to working with fellow Members to make a positive impact on our community. I would also like to congratulate Cllr Bernard Taylor for the role he has played over the past two years as I aim to build on that progress.”
Outgoing Chairman Cllr Bernard Taylor also presented £1,446 to the Chestnut Appeal – which was the designated Chairman’s Charity for the past year – to support the work it does for men’s health.
Cllr Bernard Taylor said: “As I depart my role as Chairman, I’m proud to present the Chestnut Appeal with these funds. I chose this charity because several people in my ward have suffered with prostate cancer, some of which have sadly passed away. I hope the donation will help support the important work the charity does.”
The following committee positions were also confirmed during the Council meeting.
Executive
- Cllr Dan Thomas – Leader
- Cllr Simon Rake – Deputy Leader
- Cllr Victor Abbott
- Cllr John Birch
- Cllr Julian Brazil
- Cllr Nadine Dommett
- Cllr David Hancock
- Cllr Nicky Hopwood
- Cllr John McKay
- Cllr Denise O’Callaghan
Audit and Governance Committee
- Cllr Lee Bonham – Chairman
- Cllr Matt Steele – Vice Chair
Development Management Committee
- Cllr Mark Long – Chairman
- Cllr Bernard Taylor – Vice Chair
Licensing Committee
- Cllr Sam Penfold – Chairman
- Cllr Anna Presswell – Vice Chair
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
- Cllr Alison Nix – Chairman
- Cllr Ben Cooper – Vice Chair
Council Tax Setting Committee
- Cllr Dan Thomas – Chairman
