Mid Devon Notices

Mid Devon residents are being reminded of the importance of disposing of household batteries correctly.

Batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries commonly found in everyday devices, can pose a severe fire hazard when disposed of incorrectly. Fires caused by batteries can spread rapidly, resulting in extensive damage to waste vehicles and facilities, and creating danger for residents and waste operatives.

Read the full press release at: https://www.middevon.gov.uk/residents-urged-to-dispose-of-batteries-safely-to-reduce-fire-and-environmental-risks/

Mid Devon District Council is holding a drop-in event to inform and support businesses about imminent changes to Business Rates Relief.

From 1 April 2026 many firms in the district will be affected by the Business Rates revaluation and changes to how their business rates are calculated, resulting in changes to how much they pay in 2026/27.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/free-business-rates-information-event-for-local-firms/

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Mid Devon District Council has made a donation of £3,328.49 to Churches Housing Action Team (CHAT), a local charity that has been supporting people experiencing housing difficulties in Mid Devon since 1995.

This contribution is the result of several staff initiatives, including money raised through Christmas Jumper Day, the Christmas Quiz, and the interest generated from the Council’s staff Christmas Savings Club.

Read the full press release: https://www.middevon.gov.uk/council-donates-more-than-3-300-to-local-housing-charity/

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The Winter 2025 Holiday Activities & Food Programme from Devon County Council

The Winter 2025 Holiday Activities & Food Programme from Devon County Council is now live and there are plenty of spaces available for children in Devon, but please be quick. This year there also some opportunities for family pantomime tickets available to book via the booking system and a wide range of fantastic provision for all eligible families. Some schemes this year also include hampers, and all provide either a hot or cold nutritious meal, alongside a variety of physical activities. The funded programme is open to children aged 5 to 16 who receive benefits-related free school meals, with 4 sessions available per child.

We're now taking bookings for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme for this Winter - News

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Christmas Tree Collections in January

Please put out your Christmas Trees for collection in January. These will be collected by our Garden Waste Service up to and including the 31 January 2026. This service is available to all residents The tree must be no wider than 4 inches (100mm) in diameter and under 6FT tall (cutting it in half before collection would be helpful).

Please place the tree next to the blue food caddie or, if you have a brown garden bin, it can be placed inside or next to the bin. More information is on the attached flyer!                                                                                       

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Work Hub

Date issued: 19 November 2025
Tiverton WorkHub Opens
The Tiverton WorkHub has opened for business following the lease to appointed operator,
SiGNAL SouthWest Ltd, who bring their experience of WorkHub delivery to the centre of Tiverton.
The Council identified a strong demand for a work hub in the area, particularly from self-employed
homeworkers, freelancers, remote workers and small businesses. The former Market Centre
building has been fully refurbished to provide modern, flexible workspace. Funding was secured
by the Council, through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, to enhance the building and
provide a high quality professional space to work from.
SiGNAL have appointed two experienced local business people to manage the WorkHub, Simon
Lloyd and Jason Berry. Simon and Jason will be available at the WorkHub during working hours
and offering the SiGNAL blend of networking events, training and general business support.
In addition to providing high-quality space and support locally, the Tiverton WorkHub will also
connect local businesses to a much wider network. Members can link with business owners
across the South West, the South East and the rest of the UK — opening up new opportunities,
collaborations and support beyond the town itself.
Councillor Steve Keable, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration, said:
“The opening of the Tiverton WorkHub highlights our commitment to drawing people back into our
town centres, boosting our local economies and the vitality of our district. The building has been
transformed by Mid Devon District Council into a modern, functional workspace using Shared
Prosperity Funding. The Tiverton WorkHub will offer more than just a desk or an office, it will
provide modern facilities ready for use, while offering support to self-employed workers, small
businesses, and remote employees. Anyone running a small business, or working alone, faces
challenges but we hope by providing a collaborative space we can help overcome some of these
barriers.”
Emma Selby, CEO of SiGNAL, said:
“We’re thrilled to be opening the doors of the Tiverton WorkHub. SiGNAL is built on a simple belief
— no one should build a business alone. This new space gives freelancers, start-ups and small
business owners a place to belong, grow and connect with others who are just as ambitious. And
because Tiverton joins our national My BiZHUB community, local businesses won’t just find
support here in town — they’ll also be connected to founders and opportunities right across the
UK. When businesses connect, towns come alive, and we’re excited to play our part in Tiverton’s
next chapter.”

For more information please contact:
Communications - Mid Devon District Council
Telephone: 01884 234 232
Email: communications@middevon.gov.uk

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Gates to enhance customer experience, security and safety are being installed at the entrance to two of Active Mid Devon’s sites.

The new access gates in Tiverton and Crediton ensure that only members and authorised visitors gain entry, helping to protect the value of memberships and prevent unauthorised entry.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/new-access-gates-to-be-installed-at-active-crediton-and-active-tiverton/

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Postal Votes: New Rules and Reapplying

If you applied for a postal vote before 31 October 2023 you will have recently received a letter or
email from us about some changes.
Due to new rules introduced by the Elections Act 2022, you’ll need to reapply if you wish to
continue to receive a postal vote.
Reapplying is quick and easy, please just visit www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote
To reapply you’ll need the following information:
 Your date of birth
 Your National Insurance number
 A photo or scanned copy of your handwritten signature (black ink on plain white paper)
The Council will be sending reminders out in November.
To save postage costs, please apply online if you are able to. If you don’t reapply, your current
postal vote will expire on 31 January 2026.
If you need help please contact us:
 Email - elections@middevon.gov.uk or
 Call 01884 255255

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Warm Home Grants

Please see attached press release re the Warm Homes Grant. Applications for warm home grants now open

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Active Mid Devon has been recognised for its commitment to providing safe, high-quality and inclusive facilities for the community, earning the Active Standard certification.

The Active Standard (TAS) is a quality mark for the physical activity sector, developed by ukactive and its partners, which helps people feel confident they can enjoy the benefits of being active in safe and inclusive spaces.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/active-mid-devon-earns-industry-standard-for-safety-and-quality/

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The Winter 2025 Holiday Activities and Food Programme

The Winter 2025 Holiday Activities & Food Programme from Devon County Council is now live and there are plenty of spaces available for children in Devon, but please be quick. This year there are also some opportunities for family pantomime tickets available to book via the booking system and a wide range of fantastic provision for all eligible families. Some schemes this year also include hampers, and all provide either a hot or cold nutritious meal, alongside a variety of physical activities. The funded programme is open to children aged 5 to 16 who receive benefits-related free school meals, with 4 sessions available per child.

https://www.devon.gov.uk/news/were-taking-christmas-bookings-for-the-holiday-activities-and-food-programme/

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Filming Information Event

Please find attached a press release about a Filming Information Event in Mid Devon. Filming in Mid Devon - Information Event

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The 2025 Residents Survey from Mid Devon District Council. There is a direct link to the survey here:  Resident Survey 2025 | Let's Talk Mid Devon

Residents in Mid Devon are being asked to share their views about services provided
by Mid Devon District Council.
A new residents’ survey is now open and we are encouraging you all to take part, to share your
views and priorities for your council.
The survey is open for six weeks and the results will feed into the Council’s budget setting
process, as well as future plans for prioritising services.
This year’s survey continues on from last year’s, with questions that include topics such as climate
change and dealing with economic pressures, as well as listening to how communities feel about
current service provision and where the Council can improve.
The survey is anonymous and a summary of the results will be published on the Council website.

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Local Government Reorganisation

please see link below concerning a press release, published on behalf of the district councils in Devon, regarding Local Government Reorganisation.

Devon councils announce proposal for new local government structure for the county

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Active Mid Devon is excited to announce the refreshed Health Seekers programme, designed for people who want to improve their health and wellbeing without traditional gym workouts or classes.

The Health Seekers programme has been updated to provide even greater flexibility and affordability.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/track-your-health-with-active-mid-devon-s-new-offer/

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Active Mid Devon’s new online swimming lesson tracker, Course Pro, has now launched.

Our team have been busy behind the scenes getting the system up and running and we are excited to support your child’s swimming lesson journey with us, online as well as in the pool.

Course Pro is a digital platform giving parents, carers and Active Mid Devon instructors real time access to individual swimmer progress and goals. The platform, which is easily accessible via the Active Mid Devon app or on our website, allows our instructors to track progress on the spot, recording skills achieved and areas to develop at the touch of a button.

To read the full press release: https://www.middevon.gov.uk/swimming-tracker-now-live/

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From Monday 15 September, Mid Devon residents will be able to recycle unusable metal pots and pans as part of their regular kerbside recycling collections.

Following a successful trial in Willand and Uffculme between February and May 2025, and a subsequent Cabinet decision in August, this new service has now been made a permanent feature of the district’s recycling service.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/mid-devon-launches-permanent-recycling-collections-for-unusable-metal-pots-and-pans/

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The Leader of Mid Devon District Council has shared a review of the past year and highlighted achievements across the district.

Please see the link below:

Council Shares A Year of Achievements

Annual Infographics 2024/25

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Please see below press release and link to the Household Support Fund which can provide help towards for food and energy costs.

Household Support Funding Now Available

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Mid Devon District Council is working with Devon and Cornwall Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to provide additional foot patrols in Tiverton as part of a £1.3m crime prevention project.

The town is one of two new areas to be included in the Hotspot policing scheme for Devon & Cornwall, which aims to prevent incidents of antisocial behaviour (ASB) and violent crime.

Read the full press release:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/tiverton-to-get-extra-patrols-to-prevent-antisocial-behaviour-and-violence/

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Business Grants and Financial Support - MIDDEVON.GOV.UK

Love your Town Centre funding – (Shopfront Enhancement Scheme (town centres only) and Creative Communities)

‘Love Your Town Centre’ is a flexible funding mechanism offering small grants through a competitive bidding process with four strands aimed at improving the town centre

Green Enterprise Grants (2025) - NOW OPEN

This scheme offers capital grants of up to 50% of the cost of investments that shrink the annual carbon of your enterprise. Projects that deliver savings on carbon / greenhouse gas emissions either directly or from e.g. saving energy, water or other resources / materials

New Grant Scheme NOW OPEN - Improving our Visitor Economy Assets - CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

A capital grant scheme to improve Mid Devon’s Visitor Economy assets (tourism, cultural or heritage assets

New Grant Scheme NOW OPEN - Community Commercial Hubs - CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

A Capital grant scheme to support the creation of or improvements to community delivered commercial space* located in Mid Devon’s towns and villages. This could include but are not limited to – the creation or improvement of community retail spaces, pubs, cafes and workspace i.e. hot desk facilities, work hubs and industrial space.  These can be ‘standalone’ spaces or incorporated into multi use centres such as town, village and community halls.

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Mid Devon District Council has launched a new Business e-newsletter. 

To subscribe, please use the following link:

SUBSCRIBE to the Mid Devon Business e-newsletter

The e-newsletter will keep businesses informed about initiatives including grant schemes, training and events, as well as a roundup of information and useful resources to support them.

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Mid Devon District Council has partnered with ECOE Advice to provide an improved energy reduction advice service.

ECOE Advice will help more Mid Devon households to save energy, money and carbon thanks to a new Council partnership project.

Read the full press release at:

https://sustainablemiddevon.org.uk/events-and-news/energy-boost-mid-devon/

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Mid Devon residents can now manage local services relevant to them with the My Mid Devon portal, all from the comfort of their home.

The portal provides residents access to various online facilities, from leaving feedback to reporting issues, finding information about local councillors and much much more!

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/my-mid-devon-the-personalised-online-self-service-portal/

Access the My Mid Devon portal:

https://my.middevon.gov.uk/

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Mid Devon District Council has launched an e-newsletter to ensure that the Mid Devon businesses hear information on emerging opportunities and initiatives.

The e-newsletter will keep businesses informed about initiatives including grant schemes, training and events, as well as a roundup of information and useful resources to support them.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/new-e-newsletter-launched-for-mid-devon-businesses/

Subscribe to receive the e-newsletter here:

https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKMIDDEVON/subscriber/new?topic_id=0311

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Mid Devon District Council’s 2025 Green Enterprise Grant is now available to small and medium businesses in the district.

The Green Enterprise Grant scheme offers capital grants from £500 to £5,000, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs. Funded by Mid Devon District Council, it is open to small and medium sized local businesses who want to reduce their carbon footprint by investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, or by efficient use of resources or materials.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/grants-now-available-to-help-mid-devon-businesses-go-green/

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Mid Devon’s new look leisure service, Active Mid Devon, is introducing fee reductions to unpaid carers who use its facilities and classes.

The new fees mean adult carers will receive a 25% discount on membership, or a 20% discount on casual sessions, while carers under the age of 18 will be granted free access to Active Mid Devon’s facilities. The changes come into effect from 1 May 2025 and will be trialled for a year.

Read the full press release:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/active-mid-devon-introduces-discounts-to-carers/

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ACTIVE MID DEVON

Following the launch of Active Mid Devon our leisure customers can now benefit from a new Mid Devon Active app.

The app works alongside Active Mid Devon’s new online booking system, which launched last month and is available on our website.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/dive-in-to-active-mid-devon-s-new-app/

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Building on the success of previous years Mid Devon District Council’s popular Landlord Networking Event is back

If you own a rental property business within Mid Devon, this worthwhile event will help guide you through your legal obligations and help you provide a good quality, well managed and safe home for your tenants.

To read the full press release:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/local-property-landlords-don-t-miss-your-opportunity-to-attend-mid-devon-s-popular-landlord-networking-event/

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Mid Devon District Council has introduced new features to its self-service portal, My Mid Devon, making it easier than ever for residents to report issues, access essential services, and stay informed about their local community.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/new-features-added-to-the-council-s-self-service-portal/

Access the self-service portal at:

https://my.middevon.gov.uk/

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National government signalled in December 2024 its intent to end the current system of District and County Councils and smaller unitary Councils. Instead, these are to be replaced by unitary Councils covering much larger areas, with a guideline minimum population of 500,000 people.

We are proud of our track record in delivering high quality and cost-effective public services. Each of our Councils is well established and has, over many years, built a connection with local communities such that we understand how best to tailor the delivery of these services to meet the needs of local residents.

We are also very concerned that the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) as stipulated by government including the timetable runs the real risk of financial unsustainability from inception. The most significant funding challenges facing the people of Devon concern Adult and Children Social Care, SEND, and NHS funding. Government proposals address none of these, but rather risks uprooting the very organisations holding the line today.Na

However, it is our duty to respond to answer national government’s demand for structural change through LGR.

We are united in our belief that the interests of the nearly 1 million people of Devon and Torbay will not best be served by a single ‘mega’ Council covering the entirety of this area. As districts, we have therefore reached initial agreement to work towards the formation of two new Councils that combine our existing areas as follows;

• A Unitary combining the South Hams, Teignbridge and West Devon areas with Torbay
• A Unitary including East, Mid and North Devon alongside Torridge District and the City of Exeter

There is considerable further work to do to develop these proposals. We want to maintain local distinctiveness whilst seeking to secure ongoing service improvements. We are having to move at pace to meet the initial deadline set by national government for Interim Plans to be submitted by the 21st March. Final decisions on the content of the Interim Plans will continue to be made by individual Councils and we will engage with all our Devon council colleagues on an ongoing basis. We are mindful that the LGR process is fast-changing still and until submission date further options may need to be considered in addition to the currently preferred option.

We are in active dialogue with Torbay Council concerning the potential for a new unitary council covering a wider geography encompassing the 4 areas described above.

We also recognise that Plymouth City will be looking to change their boundaries, which is a matter for government to decide on.

We are resolute in our shared commitment to engaging with our residents, partners and stakeholders to help shape these proposals going forward. This includes in the period through to November and the submission of final proposals. We will provide ongoing updates as we reach key milestones.

Yours sincerely,

Cllr Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon, Cllr Luke Taylor, Leader of Mid Devon, Cllr David Clayton, Leader of North Devon, Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of South Hams, Cllr Richard Keeling, Leader of Teignbridge, Cllr Ken James, Leader of Torridge, Cllr Mandy Ewings, Leader of West Devon                          

28 February 2025