04/09/2026
Today I presented my annual cabinet report to Council, I honestly don’t know where that year has gone!
Here is my introduction:
This has been an exceptionally busy year as Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband, with significant challenges, important decisions and major opportunities for Devon. Looking back over the last twelve months, I am proud of what has been achieved through strong partnership working, constructive cross-party collaboration and the dedication of our officers, partners and communities.
One of the most important highlights of the year for me personally has been the future of Devon's libraries. Following an extensive tour of libraries across the county and engagement with residents, volunteers, staff and partners, Council took the decision to invest in our library service and establish a clear vision for its future. The creation of the Library Transformation Board and the £1 million Library Transformation and Rural Hub Fund marks a significant commitment to ensuring libraries remain at the heart of our communities. We are now preparing to launch a range of funding opportunities that will encourage greater partnership working, strengthen community resilience and support innovative approaches to service delivery across Devon.
Another success this year has been the continued delivery of the "Places to Go, Things to Do" Youth Grant Fund, which has proved hugely popular and effective in supporting opportunities for young people across Devon. Following a successful first year, the programme has continued into a second year with a budget of £160,000. To date, we have received 110 applications and awarded grants totalling £94,000 during this financial year. These are often relatively small grants, but they are making a significant difference in communities by creating more activities, opportunities and safe spaces for young people. I would particularly like to recognise the outstanding contribution of Devon Youth Council, whose members have been instrumental in shaping, promoting and delivering the programme. Their insight and leadership have helped ensure funding reaches projects that genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of young people across Devon.
Another significant area of progress has been the brilliant work of our Public Health team, particularly around tackling rural disadvantage. I have been especially encouraged by the development of the Rural Composite Exclusion Risk Index (Rural CERI), which goes beyond the traditional Indices of Multiple Deprivation. Too often, rural deprivation and exclusion are hidden within national datasets and can be overlooked when resources are allocated. The Rural CERI provides a more accurate picture of the challenges faced by people living in rural communities by considering a wider range of factors affecting exclusion and access to services. This innovative work represents an important step towards better understanding the realities faced by many of our rural communities and ensuring support and investment can be targeted where it is most needed.
A particular privilege this year was welcoming England's Chief Medical Officer, Sir Chris Whitty, to Devon. His visit provided a valuable opportunity to discuss directly the unique health challenges and inequalities experienced by people living in rural areas. The visit allowed us to showcase the work taking place across Devon while ensuring that the voices of our rural communities were heard at a national level. I look forward to the publication of Sir Chris Whitty's forthcoming report on health in Rural England later this month, which I hope will help drive much-needed national recognition of these issues.
While there have been many positive developments, this summer has also been an extremely difficult period personally and professionally due to the impact of the bluetongue virus. As a farmer myself, I have experienced first-hand the devastating consequences of this outbreak, which has affected farms across Devon and much of the country. Whilst the disease poses no risk to human health, the impact on livestock, animal welfare, farming businesses and the mental wellbeing of farming families has been profound. Many farmers have faced significant veterinary, medicine and vaccination costs, livestock losses and ongoing uncertainty. It has been an honour to represent and speak up for Devon's farming community during this challenging time, including pressing Government to take more urgent action, improve communications and develop a coordinated national strategy for managing future outbreaks. However, there is no doubt that this has been one of the most stressful and demanding periods I have experienced both as a farmer and as a councillor.
Alongside these challenges this summer, I have also become increasingly concerned by proposals for what could be one of the world's largest hyperscale AI data centres and battery energy storage system developments in Great Torrington. From the information currently available, the scale of the proposal is extraordinary, involving the loss of hundreds of acres of productive farmland within the UNESCO North Devon Biosphere reserve and the construction of an industrial complex on a scale never before seen in our area. The potential implications for our landscape, food security, water resources, heritage assets and rural communities are substantial and I would like to pay tribute to the local residents and community campaign groups who are devoting considerable time and effort into researching the scheme and ensuring information is available to the public. In response to the growing concerns being raised, I launched a national Parliamentary petition https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/776949 calling for a moratorium on hyperscale AI data centres and associated infrastructure until stronger national safeguards and a proper Rural Impact Framework are in place. The petition has received more than 15,000 signatures in just two weeks, demonstrating the strength of feeling within our communities and the importance of ensuring rural voices are heard in national policy debates.
Finally, I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to all officers, fellow councillors and partner organisations who have supported this work throughout the year. At a time of significant challenge and change, I have been particularly encouraged by the positive spirit of cross-party working and the shared commitment to achieving the best outcomes for the people and communities of Devon. It is a privilege to serve as Cabinet Member and to champion the interests of our rural communities.
