“Highlighting the unfairness of the current funding formula for rural councils.” [Rural Services Network] The consultation on the settlement runs until 15th January. . The… Read More »Critiquing local government finance
Opportunities and risks. . As the consultants Strutt & Parker suggest, there are all sorts of opportunities and risks for the rural sector in 2024… Read More »How the rural sector can look forward
“The sustainable development goals prioritise everything. In the real world, that is to prioritise nothing.” [David Pilling, FT] . The UN has its 17 Sustainable… Read More »Are the UN’s sustainable development goals still relevant?
“We need to be able to look again at each town and come up with a comprehensive traffic management plan for each of them.” [Devon… Read More »Parking meters for Sidmouth?
Research and practical tips about flooding and the property market [AVRillo Conveyancing] . The south of England is facing huge amounts of rain – with… Read More »How to prevent and protect homes against flooding
The Devon Housing Commission pushes for more affordable housing – and calls for evidence. . East Devon is not by any means unique when it… Read More »Devon’s housing shortage has ‘severe consequences’
“Alarmed by the rising tide of waste we are all creating, my family and I decided to try to make do with much less. But… Read More »Do we need so much stuff?!
The built environment accounts for 40% of global carbon emissions. [Arch Daily] . Buildings have to get greener. But how? Firstly is the idea of retrofitting… Read More »Sustainable architecture: going beyond ‘single use’ buildings
Can local government learn from Ukraine’s planning system, “implementing the highest standards of transparency, and accountability”? [DREAM – Digital Restoration Ecosystem for Accountable Management] . CORRUPTION… Read More »Corruption at East Devon: ten years on from the Cllr Brown scandal
“Our School Streets programme tackles the congestion, poor air quality and road safety concerns.” [Sustrans] . Five years ago, county councillors were faced with the… Read More »School Streets and Play Streets
“The Transition Streets programme helps people reduce their bills and live more sustainably by taking practical action together.” [Three Rivers District Council] . Following on… Read More »Transition Streets: building community resilience and connection
“Communities should be obliged to generate at least **% of the power usage in their community.” ‘Those who want a zero-carbon future can now part-own… Read More »Making local wind power happen
“Here’s what world leaders need to know, though. Transition is not just an aspiration, it’s practical action. Community-owned renewables, local food, sharing resources, building systems… Read More »What is ‘transition’?
The hubs will offer a counter service operated by the Post Office, open Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm, where customers of all major… Read More »‘The Bank of Sidmouth’: banking hubs come to East Devon
“Over half take action to reduce their environmental impact, but also report barriers such as high costs, lack of information, and uncertainty in local support… Read More »Rural businesses and the environment