WDBC September 26 report

West Devon District Council


PC Report September 2026


Further details available on WDBC WEBSITE
www.westdevon

West Devon Third Friendliest Place to live in England
The ranking was featured in The Guardian newspaper and is based on a new
index of all 296 local council areas, drawing on government data from the
Community Life Survey.
It measures the strength of community life by looking at how often people speak
to their neighbours, feelings of loneliness and belonging, pride in the local area,
and participation in civic life.

The recognition highlights the strong community spirit found across West Devon’s
towns, villages, farming and rural communities, where residents, businesses and
community groups work hard to support one another and take pride in where they
live.

Leader Cllr Mandy Ewings said: “We are delighted that West Devon has been
recognised as the third friendliest place to live in the UK. It is wonderful recognition for
the borough and a real credit to the people who make West Devon such a welcoming
place.”
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We’re helping to share information on behalf of Devon’s Public Health Team as
young people across Devon prepare to start college, university or move away from
home this autumn.

Helping Young People moving

  • Devon’s Public Health Team has created a new guide bringing together simple
    advice and practical information to help young people stay healthy, safe and well.
  • The guide includes advice on:
    Vaccinations, registering with a GP and managing medication
    Mental wellbeing and building a support network
    Relationships, consent and sexual health
    Alcohol, drugs and personal safety
    Healthy living, budgeting and gambling risks
    Important contacts and support for parents and carers
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    Community Emergency Hubs
    Our partners at Devon Communities Together (DCT) have been encouraging engagement
    with a pilot scheme aimed at improving community resilience in the event of an
    emergency.
    The most recent course ran over the summer, but you can find out more about the
    rationale behind the scheme below.
    If you think it might be appropriate to a community in your area, a webinar for interested
    groups is also planned for September with details available on WDBC WEBSITE
  • Ongoing consultations
  • Joint Local Plan – Scoping consultation to understand the challenges and
    opportunities that the next local plan will need to consider. Until 24 September.
  • Lifton and Okehampton Conservation Area Appraisals – The existing
    conservation areas in the two communities have been reviewed by the Council,
    who now want the views of local people and groups. Until 6 September.
  • Upcoming consultations
  • Taxi Policy – Consultation on new taxi policy. From November.
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    Let’s Talk Safer Families is hosting a series of online events focused on specific
    issues affecting children and young people, with specialist guest speakers
    sharing their expertise and experience directly with parents and carers. Please
    pass on these events to your communities.
  • These sessions will help parents and carers make sense of some of the
    challenges young people are facing today.
  • They offer practical advice, tips and support that can be used at home.
  • Upcoming events include:
    o 5 October | The Manosphere and Young People
    o 13 October | Understanding Harmful Pornography
    o 20 October | How Algorithms Can Shape Harmful Beliefs and Misogyny
  • Cllr Lynn Daniel September 2026