Statement of service provision for 2020/21

"In 2020/21, we’ll continue to deliver a wide range of high performing services set against the harsh reality of Central Government’s ongoing austerity programme, which has seen the Council’s core funding grant reduced by circa £4.2m since 2010.

"Like many councils, we’ve had to make some difficult choices in order to produce a balanced budget position and to provide essential financial provision for any known medium term commitments.

"We’re continuing to plan for significant housing growth to be generated from the Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension, the Northwest Cullompton Urban Extension and the new Culm Garden Village. This will ensure that these new developments deliver well planned, high quality housing that can be an exemplar of modern living.

"We’re building an action plan for our commitment to carbon reduction and have already received a carbon baseline report to benchmark the effect of our actions, see Devon climate emergency for more information.

"We continue to provide a rolling programme of upgrades and enhancements to our key property assets, leisure centres, multi-storey car park, industrial units and Phoenix House.

"Work is ongoing to deliver regeneration projects in our three main towns.

"Major improvement works have been made in order to enhance customer interaction with our Council Tax, Business Rates and Housing Benefit Teams. Customers can now view their account directly and amend records where necessary.

"Looking forward, all councils are facing a very uncertain future, as Central Government continue to consult on making changes via the Fair Funding Review, Business Rates reset and New Homes Bonus."

Andrew Jarrett - Director of Finance, Assets and Resources