The future of East Devon's hospitals: public votes for options other than those proposed

This week there will be a meeting to consider the options for hospital care in East Devon:
Futures Forum: The future of Sidmouth's hospital: to be considered Thursday 2nd March

The feedback from the public consultations will be taken into account - although some might say that this is not what the decision-makers wanted to hear:
Community Hospital bed cuts: public consultation doesn’t give answers CCG wanted | East Devon Watch

Here is a full report anticipating Thursday's meeting:

Devon residents vote for 'other options' in proposed community beds cuts

By anitamerritt  |  Posted: February 28, 2017

A public consultation over which community beds health commissioners will axe in Exeter or East Devon has seen the majority of people vote for different options, rather than the four being proposed.

NHS Northern, Eastern and Western (NEW) Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is planning to close 72 community hospital beds in Devon, and is due to make its decision this Thursday. In the options Tiverton hospital will definitely remain open, and Honiton and Okehampton will close. The fate of beds in Seaton, Exmouth, Sidmouth and Whipton remains uncertain.

The aim of the consultation document called Your Future Care is to provide care and support at home and in the community for the elderly and frail, where the various providers of services work together to promote the health and wellbeing of residents, preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and supporting a faster return home.

The Your Future Care survey results show 624 people voted for other options such as suggesting different three site hospitals such as Okehampton, Tiverton and Exmouth; having four site options such as Tiverton, Sidmouth, Seaton, and Exmouth; and retaining all existing beds which accounted for 168 of responses.

The second most popular choice was option A - 32 beds in Tiverton, 24 beds in Seaton and 16 beds in Exmouth - with 554 votes, followed by option B with 159 votes, and option C - 32 beds in Tiverton, 24 beds in Seaton and 16 beds in Whipton - with 65 votes. The least popular was option D - 32 beds in Tiverton, 24 in Sidmouth and 16 beds in Whipton - with 50 votes.

During the consultation, the CCG's governing body received five petitions. They included one from Sidmouth Victoria Hospital Comforts Fund which was signed by 5,497 to prevent the closure of Sidmouth Hospital's inpatient ward; a petition signed by 3,579 people to save Okehampton Hospital beds, and 3,227 people signed a Hands off Honiton Hospital petition.

Also opposing proposals to reduce community beds is Community Hospitals Association (CHA), and Devon County Council has called for a halt in the plans while it calls on the government and NHS England to provide fair funding for health services in Devon.

Hard to reach groups were consulted during focus groups organised by Healthwatch Devon. No one option was most preferred, and people said they wanted services to be as close to home as possible. Many people felt enabling patients to remain at home and avoid a hospital stay is a good thing.

During the consultation a significant number of questions relating to how the New Model of Integrated Care (NMOC) will work in practice was raised, including concerns about a possible decline in patient safety for vulnerable groups such as the frail, elderly, and dementia patients.

While there was noticeable support for the principle of care at home, many correspondents felt the NMOC had not been suitably or clearly explained, so they were unable to support the proposal.

A high number of people raised topics such as fear of isolation, strain on carers and worsening patient outcomes for individuals with more seriousness illness.

The final decision will be made by NEW Devon CCG's governing body at a publicly held meeting of NEW Devon CCG's governing body at Exeter Racecourse at 1pm. It has previously stated its preferred choice as being option A.

More changes are also on the way. Devon's acute hospital stroke, maternity and urgent care services are the latest to come under scrutiny as part of ongoing plans to transform the regions health care. By this summer, NEW Devon CCG and South Devon and Torbay CCG aims to have drawn up proposals for the future delivery of the three services.

Devon residents vote for 'other options' in proposed community beds cuts | Devon Live
.
.
.

Plans for Port Royal: anticipating a Regeneration Board >> updated input from the Vision Group

A posting from a couple of days ago summarised where we're at with the Scoping Study:
Futures Forum: Plans for Port Royal: anticipating a Regeneration Board >> consultants meet Scoping Study Reference Group and start gathering evidence

The consultants have been given the Vision Group's Community Engagement Brief of 2012 - a report which was in fact already started in 2008:
Vision Group for Sidmouth - Community Engagement Brief

A newer, updated set of evidence has just been submitted to the consultants from the Vision Group:
Evidence submitted for the Port Royal Scoping Study - vgs - feb17.pdf

This considers several areas of interest, including a summary of the 'facts and figures' (with fresh information not available in 2012), a look at the historic issues and consideration of the options (many of which are clearly less viable than five years ago):

Local Plan: 30 homes

Mixed Development

Port Royal Steering Group

Who owns what

Eastern Town then and now

Neighbourhood Plan

Beach Management Plan and Alma Bridge

Lifeboat Station

Sailing Club

Fish Shop

Drill Hall

Marina

Tower

Waterborne transport and a jetty

Arboretum

Tidal Reef

Library

Harbour

Cycle Path

Car park

Hotel

.

.

.

Climate change: and increasing the power of government: or, "crossing the welfare state with the carbon tax"

We should probably be doing something about climate change:
Futures Forum: Climate change: and thinking about apocalypse

The problem is that there seems to be a natural reluctance to do anything:
Futures Forum: Climate change: the language of framing ... "Why Our Brains Are Wired to Ignore Climate Change"

It might, then, be a matter of how the issue is 'framed'
Futures Forum: Climate change: perceptions and solutions: a summary
Futures Forum: Climate change: "a badge of political identity in a debate riven by ideological and tribal conflicts"

In particular, those of a conservative mind-set are very uncomfortable about the 'statist' solutions being offered - along with more taxes, more regulation and more state interference:
Futures Forum: Climate change: "Conservatives don’t hate climate science. They hate the left’s climate solutions"
Futures Forum: Climate change: and corporate welfare >>> Government is the problem, not the solution.

The latest arena for discussion of these issues is whether or not to impose a carbon tax:
Futures Forum: Why is Big Oil now in favour of a carbon tax?

This is a perspective from the Cato Institute in the United States:

Crossing the Welfare State 

With the Carbon Tax

Daniel J. Mitchell

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

I don’t have strong views on global warming. Or climate change, or whatever it’s being called today.

But I’ve generally been skeptical about government action for the simple reason that the people making the most noise are statists who would use any excuse to increase the size and power of government.

To be blunt, I simply don’t trust them. In Washington, they’re called watermelons – green on the outside (identifying as environmentalists) but red on the inside (pushing a statist agenda).

But there are some sensible people who think some sort of government involvement is necessary and appropriate.

The Carbon Tax

George Schultz and James Baker, two former Secretaries of State, argue for a new carbon tax in a Wall Street Journal column as part of an agenda that also makes changes to regulation and government spending.

…there is mounting evidence of problems with the atmosphere that are growing too compelling to ignore. …The responsible and conservative response should be to take out an insurance policy. Doing so need not rely on heavy-handed, growth-inhibiting government regulations. Instead, a climate solution should be based on a sound economic analysis that embodies the conservative principles of free markets and limited government. We suggest…creating a gradually increasing carbon tax…, returning the tax proceeds to the American people in the form of dividends. And…rolling back government regulations once such a system is in place."

A multi-author column in the New York Times, including Professors Greg Mankiw and Martin Feldstein from Harvard, also puts for the argument for this plan.

On-again-off-again regulation is a poor way to protect the environment. And by creating needless uncertainty for businesses that are planning long-term capital investments, it is also a poor way to promote robust economic growth. By contrast, an ideal climate policy would reduce carbon emissions, limit regulatory intrusion, promote economic growth, help working-class Americans and prove durable when the political winds change. …Our plan is…the federal government would impose a gradually increasing tax on carbon dioxide emissions. It might begin at $40 per ton and increase steadily. This tax would send a powerful signal to businesses and consumers to reduce their carbon footprints. …the proceeds would be returned to the American people on an equal basis via quarterly dividend checks. With a carbon tax of $40 per ton, a family of four would receive about $2,000 in the first year. As the tax rate rose over time to further reduce emissions, so would the dividend payments. …regulations made unnecessary by the carbon tax would be eliminated, including an outright repeal of the Clean Power Plan."

They perceive this plan as being very popular.

Environmentalists should like the long-overdue commitment to carbon pricing. Growth advocates should embrace the reduced regulation and increased policy certainty, which would encourage long-term investments, especially in clean technologies. Libertarians should applaud a plan premised on getting the incentives right and government out of the way."

Not So Fast

I hate to be the skunk at the party, but I’m a libertarian and I’m not applauding. I explain some of my concerns about the general concept in this interview.

In the plus column, there would be a tax cut and a regulatory rollback. In the minus column, there would be a new tax. So two good ideas and one bad idea, right? Sounds like a good deal in theory, even if you can’t trust politicians in the real world.

However, the plan that’s being promoted by Schultz, Baker, Feldstein, Mankiw, etc, doesn’t have two good ideas and one bad idea. They have the good regulatory reduction and the bad carbon tax, but instead of using the revenue to finance a good tax cut such as eliminating the capital gains tax or getting rid of the corporate income tax, they want to create universal handouts.

They want us to believe that this money, starting at $2,000 for a family of four, would be akin to some sort of tax rebate.

That’s utter nonsense, if not outright prevarication. This is a new redistribution program. Sort of like the “basic income” scheme being promoted by some folks.

And it creates a very worrisome dynamic since people will have an incentive to support ever-higher carbon taxes in order to get ever-larger checks from the government. Heck, the plan being pushed explicitly envisions such an outcome.

I’ve made the economic argument against carbon taxes and the cronyism argument against carbon taxes. Now that we have a real-world proposal, we have the practical argument against carbon taxes.

Reprinted from International Liberty.

Daniel J. Mitchell

Daniel J. Mitchell is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute who specializes in fiscal policy, particularly tax reform, international tax competition, and the economic burden of government spending. He also serves on the editorial board of the Cayman Financial Review. 

Crossing the Welfare State With the Carbon Tax | Foundation for Economic Education
.
.
.

Volunteering to provide support and friendship >>> >>> Open day at Sidmouth Library Weds 1st March

Sidmouth is losing an important life-line:
Futures Forum: Sidmouth Help Link to close - but other voluntary organisations to maintain part of the services

However, there are other sources of community help being developed:

Appeal for volunteers to help support neighbours in Sidmouth

19:22 26 February 2017

Eleanor Pipe

 

Opportunities range from cooking, to DIY, to offering friendship and a cup of tea

Volunteers are being sought in Sidmouth to provide support and friendship for people as part of a Big Lottery-funded project.

From having a chat and cup of tea, to helping with basic DIY, there are numerous opportunities under the Healthy Neighbourhoods scheme for anyone willing to help those who need it in their area.

Open days will be held at Sidmouth Library on Wednesday, March 1, and Wednesday, March 29, from 10am to noon, where residents are invited to come and find out more about being a volunteer.

Project manager Sarah Forde said: “Volunteer opportunities include supporting a person to return home from hospital, including making their home ready, turning the heating on, picking up essential items from the shop, having a cooked meal ready for them; supporting with practical help, putting their bins out, helping with DIY, fitting a key safe, befriending, having a cuppa and chat with a person in their home, helping them to prepare their lunch.

“Volunteers can get involved at a level to suit them, and give as much time as they are able to. Free training is provided, including a comprehensive induction programme with continued support to help all volunteers. Agreed out of pocket expenses will also be paid.”

For more information on Healthy Neighbourhoods, call: 01392 824752.

Appeal for volunteers to help support neighbours in Sidmouth - News - Sidmouth Herald
.
.
.

"Not much time left to Rescue the Drill Hall"

The campaign to save the Drill Hall has brought a lot of attention:
Futures Forum: Drill Hall and Drill Hall Rescue @ Historic Sidmouth

Its first newsletter came out last month:
Futures Forum: Latest from the Rescue Sidmouth Drill Hall Site

This is the latest: "Not much time left to Rescue the Drill Hall":

Get involved in saving Sidmouth Drill Hall ..... this is a relaunch!

February 2017 newsletter Dear Friends, I hope you all spent a pleasant Valentine’s Day and that the approach of spring is lifting your spirits. The big news from the last month is that the consultants for the Port Royal scoping exercise have been appointed. They are Jillings Heynes from Exeter and they had their first formal meeting with the Reference Group on 21st Feb. It is still unclear as to exactly when the exercise is intended to finish, perhaps the deadline is flexible to a certain extent? The report of the meeting, above, says it will be a 16 week exercise which would mean it ended in early-mid June. However I have been told several different dates, ranging from late summer to late autumn, by people ‘in the know’. It is clear that this year will likely be the last time we have the opportunity to make our feelings known and for them to be considered. The Councils intend to act on the recommendations of the Consultants, once they are produced. Please keep your eyes open for opportunities where we could make a difference to the outcome and contact me at drillhall.rescue@historic-sidmouth.uk so that I can pass the information on to those who would like to make representations. If you remember, I did have some help from Consuelo. However, her workload is picking up and so she won’t be able to help from now on. She has finished her musical score which will accompany a presentation on the Hall. I would value the help of someone with media expertise. I can supply old photos for illustration and info for a script if someone has the software to put everything together. At the end of January I went to art shops and teachers in Sidmouth to ask if they knew anyone who would be willing to help with artist’s impressions of the Drill Hall. They said they would ask their contacts and pass on my details. I have not had any response so far. On Jan 27th  I spent the day at the Sidmouth Neighbourhood Plan event at Kennaway House, I know some of you were there too. The Neighbourhood Plan is supposed to run alongside the District Council’s Local Plan and to be a guide in planning matters. If we could get a statement into the Neighbourhood Plan which said that existing buildings should be reused whenever possible it would help our case to save the Drill Hall. Deidre Hounsom, the chair of the NP group, said at the meeting that it surprises her how many people still have not heard about the NP even though it has been going for some time and is frequently mentioned in the local paper. I feel the same about people not knowing there is a campaign to save the Drill Hall: backed by research! Councillors seem to be generally unaware of the website (although I have been working on that) and it seems not many other people are aware of my sites either. It has been said to me that people don’t bother looking at websites, but I hope this is not true. Whether you produce a book, or give a talk, or put up a website, publicity is key; I need you all to keep up your efforts to talk about the information which is available on the Drill Hall sites and try to pique people’s interest. About 2 weeks ago there was damage done at the back of the Hall where someone had broken two areas of the wood cladding from around the external stair and then smashed the door into the main hall. EDDC told the Herald they believe it was a rough sleeper who broke in.  I went down there as the workmen were boarding it up safely but unfortunately they would not allow me in to take pictures. However, I did receive a few anonymous pictures which I have put up HERE. Whoever got them for me, thank you. They show that the past 4 years of neglect have not led to much change. The match-boarding on the walls is no longer there and the lovely brickwork arches are exposed. I presume this happened when the workmen were searching for asbestos in 2013. I have had chats and a meeting with a representative of St John’s International School. I am hoping that they can fit some project work on the Drill Hall into their curriculum next term. Ideally I would like them to do things like collect oral history from the people of Sidmouth, but we will have to see what comes of the discussions. Would any of you be able to collect people’s stories if they can not? If you are a member of a local club or group would you be willing to take a recorder with you, or use your phone if it records, when you next meet? Chats about the old days and the Drill Hall can be sent to me and I will use the information and eventually try to get it transcribed. Obviously I am not asking you to make surreptitious recordings! If any of you have exam age or university children who are looking for projects in areas like sociology, history, art or design I could provide some ideas and assistance. I am a qualified teacher of Art, and Design for those age groups. I have made useful contact both with Mike Osborne, and with the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS). Dr Michael Osborne is an author of a series of books about military installations, of various types, which were created for defending Britain: including ‘ALWAYS READY: THE DRILL HALLS OF BRITAIN'S VOLUNTEER FORCES’. He was a volunteer-coordinator for the Defence of Britain Project recording the military structures of the Twentieth Century. He has visited every Drill Hall which still survives in Britain, is acknowledged as an expert by Historic England, and is willing to write letters in support of retaining our Hall. I wrote to EFDSS to ask if they have any old pictures of the interior of the Drill Hall from past Folk Week events. They have said they will check their archives and they also put me in touch with Derek Schofield, the author of ‘The first week in August’, which is a history of the first 50 years of Folk Week. He and his collaborator, John Dowell who used to run Folk Week, have sent me a few pictures he used in his book. When we have sorted out copyright issues then details from these images, showing the architecture, will go up on the site. The pictures were taken because of the performers, so only show the north end of the hall where the stage was. I still need wider views from different occasions, please ask your friends and family if they have any. The images given to me after the recent break-in show that some glasswork still remains in places, so earlier images are likely to show us even more of the original fabric. If we are unsuccessful in saving the hall at least we can create a memorial to it. Historic England has recognised the importance of Drill Halls to our history but they can only protect the unique examples and unfortunately ours does not retain enough original elements to meet the criteria for listing. Historic England do, however, say it is an important part of the Conservation Area. The more evidence we have about the building the stronger our case that it should be preserved for the pleasure and use of residents and visitors alike. The Home Front Legacy did not have a record of our Drill Hall, but it does now! I have been talking to Sue Watts of Devon District Council Historic Environment Team and she has updated the information held, and shown online, for the Drill Hall. It can be found on the Heritage Gateway under Devon and Dartmoor; record MDV106723 At the Neighbourhood Plan meeting there were many suggestions raised about things which could be included in the Port Royal redevelopment, and most of them could be accommodated within the Drill Hall. Such as an aquarium in the basement and a much extended tourist information unit in the main hall. The latter incorporating information about the Museum historical walks around Sidmouth and information on the Blue Plaques as well as the Arboretum and other such initiatives which tend to get overlooked at the moment. Perhaps the geological information from both the Arches display and from the Museum could be housed there too? Many of these offerings would be enhanced by being housed in an historical building not a new one. Perhaps you could think of things which you consider would help tourists and residents appreciate what we have in the town and let me know your thoughts? If you want an idea of the space available then floor plans are here, you can download and print them at A4 size, and draw on them. If you then scan your drawings and send them to me I’ll put them on the website for people to consider. They don’t have to be ‘good’ drawings just sketch ideas more or less in scale. The plans are gridded so it is quite easy to get things the right size. The more ideas we have to show the more it proves we have really thought about saving the Hall and that we are not just having a ‘knee-jerk’ reaction to possible change. I intend to have another newsletter for you soon. Until then, kind regards, Mary

Not much time left to Rescue the Drill Hall
Newsletter Archive - Sidmouth Drill Hall Rescue
.
.
.

Campaigning to stop the government from 'killing off the UK's solar industry before it can become the cheapest form of electricity'

Solar energy has got a future - at least it did a year ago:
Futures Forum: Community energy >>> "We are changing the world" >>> the fracking village that's going solar

Whilst the rest of the world seems to be going for solar and other renewable energy sources...
Futures Forum: Modern energy >>> the world is shifting toward renewables

... the UK government doesn't seem so keen:
Futures Forum: Climate change: and goodbye to the Department of Energy and Climate Change

... and prefers to subsidize non-renewables:
Futures Forum: Climate change: and ending fossil fuel subsidies

Not only are these technologies proving very unattractive...
Energy groups axe UK renewable projects - Financial Times
UK's attractiveness for renewables investment plummets to all-time low | Environment | The Guardian

... but the government wants to increase taxes considerably:
Government accused of trying to kill off UK solar industry before it can become cheapest form of electricity | The Independent
PV - UK solar industry warning over new tax hike which could 'kill off' solar - Renewable Energy Magazine, at the heart of clean energy journalism

Campaign groups are pushing for the government to support solar and wind energy - rather than 'kill it off':
secure.greenpeace.org.uk | Help save UK solar power

The government are determined to block renewables at every turn. Sign our petition now. Onshore wind power is cheap, clean and popular. But the government are blocking it out of the energy market by taking away financial support for new projects. And worse, they’re dragging large-scale solar down too (whilst continuing to support fossil fuels...). Sign the petition This is part of a much wider assault on clean energy. Back in September, we broke the news that state schools with solar would be hit badly by changes to business rates. Since then, Greenpeace and the Solar Trade Association have been running a great campaign to reverse these changes. If you’ve not signed their petition too, you should. If we’re going to have any chance of meeting our carbon emission targets - let alone tackling climate change - we need to fight both of these issues together: the cuts to new solar and wind, and the sudden tax on existing projects. Our petition closes at 4pm on Thursday 2nd March. We have three days to gather as many voices as we can to stand up for clean energy. Are you with us? Sign our petition

10:10 brings people together to do positive, practical stuff that helps tackle climate change.

10:10
.
.
.

Plans for Port Royal: anticipating a Regeneration Board >> consultants meet Scoping Study Reference Group and start gathering evidence

The consultants have been appointed to the Scoping Study at Port Royal:
Futures Forum: Plans for Port Royal: anticipating a Regeneration Board >> consultants appointed for the Scoping Study

They will be making use of the Vision Group's Community Engagement Brief of 2012:
Vision Group for Sidmouth - Community Engagement Brief

And once it is completed, they will be using the lastest piece of consultative evidence - namely, the Neighbourhood Plan's upcoming second Residents' Questionnaire:
NeighbourHood Plan - Sidmouth Town Council

The consultants have also been sent a new set of evidence by the Vision Group:
Evidence submitted for the Port Royal Scoping Study - vgs - feb17

Last week, they met up for the first time with the Reference Group:

Experts meet Port Royal Reference Group as work begins on Scoping Study

When this content has been created

21 February 2017

Study expected to be completed in 16 weeks

On Wednesday February 15 the Port Royal Reference Group convened at Sidmouth Town Council  for their first meeting with the appointed independent consultants who have been selected to carry out the scoping study for Port Royal.

Ed Heynes of Jillings Heynes said that he "was delighted to be appointed to such a high profile project" and that he "recognised clearly the tremendous interest and work already done in connection with Port Royal."

As part of their work, which is estimated to take around 16 weeks, Jillings Heynes will set about a significant data gathering exercise which will include consideration of all relevant historical studies as well as all the ideas and thoughts that have come forward from the community through the extensive consultation which has already taken place.  This includes previous consultations such as the Vision Group’s Community Engagement Brief 2012 and the more recent consultation which is being carried out through the Neighbourhood Plan.

As part of the 16 week project, Mr Heynes outlined that there would also be a meeting with key stakeholders and a wider, public session in which people could further express their views, thoughts and ideas directly to the consultants.

Once all the data has been gathered and considered the consultants will then look at producing a set of recommendations which will balance community expectations with what is commercially viable and possible in the area.  These recommendations will then be considered by Sidmouth Town Council and East Devon District Council.

Jeff Turner, Chairman of Sidmouth Town Council  and Chairman of the Port Royal Reference Group said:

"Everyone agrees that this is one of the finest sites on the South Coast which has never fulfilled its potential and that this presents a great challenge as well as an enormous opportunity. 

"We very much look forward to hearing the recommendations of the independent consultants who have the expertise to look at all the options, hear what the community has to say and then make some recommendations which can deliver the right outcome for the town."

21 February 2017 - Experts meet Port Royal Reference Group as work begins on Scoping Study - East Devon
.
.
.

Knowle relocation project: and constant financial vigilance: "April 2018 > Relocation to Honiton complete."

The District Council is working closely with its neighbours; alternatively, this could be called stumbling towards devolution:
Futures Forum: Greater Exeter forges ahead as "the epicentre of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership"

All of this talk of 'partnership' is in parallel with the District Council's continued determination to 'relocate' its HQ to Honiton:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: and local government reorganisation

Because the move will cost millions - which are not exactly available:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: throwing good money after bad >>> How the Honiton and Exmouth HQs will not improve on the current HQ
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: further hidden costs and out-of-date documentation

This piece from the Express and Echo is from two years ago - and we have not come anywhere nearer an understanding of the costings:


Plan to relocate East Devon Council offices moving ahead

By Exeter Express and Echo | Posted: March 19, 2015

EAST Devon District Council is getting ready to press ahead with its relocation plans from Sidmouth to Exmouth and Honiton amid concerns residents have only been given a “superficial” explanation of the financial argument for moving.

In order to save money, the council resolved to relocate from its aging Sidmouth offices to SkyPark near Exeter, but in November announced a U-turn on its plans and instead backed a revised plan to move to Honiton and Exmouth.

The council has decided to sell 1.8 hectares of land at Knowle, including the area currently occupied by buildings and asphalt car parks, plus 14 per cent of the remaining parkland including the upper terraces, to retirement homes developer Pegasus Life Ltd for around £8m.

The external auditors’ report backed the council’s research that the most cost-effective option is to refurbish Exmouth Town Hall and build a new office at Honiton Heathpark, rather than to stay put at Knowle and modernise the existing offices.

Over 20 years council officials claim it will be £2.8m better off if it relocates, compared with being £3.9m worse off by staying. In addition to the funds generated from the sale of its existing headquarters, the council would need to borrow £2.1m over 20 years.

But, addressing councillors at the meeting, Richard Thurlow, the chairman of the Save Our Sidmouth campaign group criticised calculations the council has based its decision to relocate on, while branding the information that has been divulged on the costings as “superficial”.

While praising the reputation of the auditors, he criticised the external audit for not examining the option of staying put in the more modern offices at Knowle combined with a move to Exmouth. He said: “The public have not been permitted to have anything other than a superficial view of the costings which make up the attempt to persuade that relocation is cost neutral.

“Councillors and the public have to take the results as presented without understanding or knowing the processes involved, or appreciating the range of sensitivity of the output.”

Plan to relocate East Devon Council offices moving ahead | Exeter Express and Echo

In other words, these figures are now two years out of date - although there have been serious attempts to get a more up-to-date and less 'superficial' view of the financial situation.

Questions were asked a year ago:
Is relocation value for money? - News - East Devon 24

And more recently:
Business case for Knowle relocation project - a Freedom of Information request to East Devon District Council - WhatDoTheyKnow
Business case for Knowle relocation project – 1st February 2017 - a Freedom of Information request to East Devon District Council - WhatDoTheyKnow

Meanwhile, the District Council is contemplating some sort of merger with other councils, whilst intending to spend millions on a 'vanity project' - and yet it clearly hasn't got those millions:
Futures Forum: Knowle relocation project: 'fiddling while Rome burns'

Here is what the 'Moving and Improving' page on the project timeline - and it is still about moving to Honiton:


6. Project timeline - key dates

It is important to note that these dates remain indicative only as there are a mix of factors outside the control of the council that may create delays in this process. The project will adapt as necessary.

April 2018
> Relocation to Honiton complete.

December 2017
> Relocation to refurbished Exmouth Town Hall.

December 2016
> Development Management Committee refuse the planning application by Pegasus Life Ltd for Knowle.
> Cabinet and Council (separately) will take the opportunity to review the Project. This is known as Gateway 7 which is to note satisfaction of the financial requirements and restrictions of the Final Design, confirmation of Contractors Project Costs, advice regarding Planning Application for EDDC at Heathpark and for Pegasus Life Ltd at Knowle.

October 2016
> Planning permission granted on the application by East Devon District Council for Heathpark, Honiton.

Moving and Improving: all you need to know about the office relocation - Project timeline - key dates - East Devon

The District Council is determined to have its cake and eat it: low taxes and a spanking new HQ:


East Devon District Council approves modest Council Tax increase

23 February 2017

Council’s portion of the Council Tax bill still one of the lowest in the country 

East Devon District Council has agreed a modest £5 annual Council Tax increase for an average property for 2017/18 to ensure it continues to provide excellent value for money services for its residents.

The authority’s portion of the annual Council Tax bill for a Band D property will be £131.78 a year or £2.53 a week for all the services it provides. The amount is the lowest in Devon and one of the lowest in the country. The £5 increase, which was approved by the Council last night (February 22) is less than 10p extra per week.

The Council takes just 8p in every pound of the total Council Tax bill with the rest of the money going to Devon County Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service along with town and parish councils.

Councillor Paul Diviani, Leader of East Devon District Council, told last night’s full council meeting that there were exciting opportunities ahead as the council moves forward with its relocation programme and brings about further efficiencies through its combined working with Devon County, Exeter, Teignbridge and Mid Devon Councils.

He told councillors: "None of us are under any illusion that the financial climate is rosy, but we do know that if we continue to address vigorously the problems we face, our constant vigilance will prevail.

"As promised, we expect delivery of the new waste and recycling contract, a continuing commitment, to improve efficiencies wherever and whenever possible through better working practice and technical improvements.

"Making sure our assets work to best effect for East Devon tax payers and seizing such opportunities as the granting of Enterprise Zone status which will increase economic opportunity and benefit, and perhaps most importantly, my hope that the council can soon establish its own local housing company to increase the housing supply for East Devon people, helping to satisfy the seemingly insatiable demand for new homes.

"We continue to provide excellent value for money for our services which range from conserving and enhancing our stunning environment to coastal protection; from the regeneration of the urban economy in our towns and support for our rural areas." 

He praised council officers for their excellent work across the board in enabling us to reach the position where we are able, yet again, to achieve a balanced budget and added:

"It would be equally remiss of me if I did not recognise the contribution of maembers, who through the full, open and transparent democratic cycle of the Budget Working Party, Overview & Scrutiny, Cabinet and now Full Council have ensured that anyone who wished to input has had ample opportunity so to do."
23 February 2017 - East Devon District Council approves modest Council Tax increase - East Devon
.
.
.