Welcome to the summer edition of Torridge Connect, bringing you news about the work of local public services across the area. Earlier this year, Devon County Council approved a budget calling for nearly £28 million of savings in our spending for this financial year. In spite of the savings we have made already (see page 10) and the savings planned for this year, we will need to save another £49 million in 2015, and £25 million in 2016. This will inevitably mean more changes to the way we currently work and some service reductions.
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Devon Personal Assistant Bank
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News in brief
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Helping people in need, turning lives around and taking control
10 Tough choices – take part in the consultation
We will continue to support the elderly, the young and the vulnerable but we must do it in a more cost-effective way and you will see examples in this magazine of how we are already delivering many services differently. You will also see that we are asking you to get involved in the debate with your ideas and suggestions about various suggested changes in the way we do things in different service areas.
Plough and Share – your local Credit Union page 12
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One thing we do know: we need communities to step up and work with us to deliver some of the services we can no longer deliver.There has always been a great spirit of self-reliance in Devon’s communities and from adversity can also come opportunity. I believe it is in our nature to reach out and do things like help a vulnerable neighbour, keep our community centre open, volunteer in the local shop or library and cut the grass verge by our house. And I am certain that there is much un-tapped energy, enthusiasm and enterprise that could help us look at things differently and find new solutions to meeting local needs. Find out more on page 10 and get involved in the debate via devon.gov.uk/toughchoices. But let’s not forget, Torridge is a great place to be almost any time of year. Welcoming and friendly communities, a Blue Flag beach, attractions of high quality, great value accommodation... it is no real surprise we attract so many visitors here. I hope you all enjoy the summer - whatever the weather.
John Hart
Philip Collins
Leader, Devon County Council
Leader, Torridge District Council
11 Council tax discount on your annex
Business rates changes
Moneywise – are you facing financial hardship?
12 Explore Devon, the naturally active way 14 Read easy – one-to-one coaching
Devon Home Choice changes
15 The front line of fostering 16 All-weather transport for everyone 18 Danger and opportunity at Hartland 19 NHS information 20 Torridge recycling – quick guide 21 Bank holiday collections
General enquiries
Torridge 01237 428700 MyDevon 0845 155 1015 customer.services@torridge.gov.uk customer@devon.gov.uk
www.torridge.gov.uk www.devon.gov.uk
22 North Devon Nature Improvement Area benefits more than just wildlife 23 Contact Devon and Cornwall Police 24 Torridge’s A- Z
How to contact us: Editorial queries should be directed to: Phone: 01237 428700 Email: communications@torridge.gov.uk
Front cover photo: Westward Ho! Blue Flag beach in summer The opinions and views expressed in Torridge Connect magazine are not necessarily those of Devon County Council or Torridge District Council. All data contained in adverts are accepted by us in good faith at the time of going to press. Reproduction of editorial is strictly prohibited without prior permission from Devon County Council or Torridge District Council. All rights reserved copyright © 2014.
If you would like this magazine in a different format please call 0845 155 1015 TORRIDGE CONNECT SUMMER 2014
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