23 May 2023

The AGM of Teignbridge District Council was the first meeting with the South Devon Alliance as the official opposition. Committee places were allocated and our proposals for Cllr John Radford to Chair the Council and Cllr Richard Daws to be the Leader were predictably outvoted but perhaps a vision of the future.

More tellingly our Cllrs managed to push for more representation on external Devon based committees and add real meat to a council whistleblowing policy, proposing an amendment that ‘Protect’ should be brought into the council to give training and advise on whistleblowing best practice. http://protect-advice.org.uk

Councillor Jane Taylor also made history today when she presented a petition to the newly elected Chair of TDC, Chris Clarance. The current Constitution does not include petitions, but this will be one of the many changes to be considered when it comes up for review. She presented the petition on behalf of over 300 Kingskerswell residents who have been adversely affected by the decision to charge for parking in Fore Street Car Park. As a result of the recent charges local businesses have seen a reduced footfall, displaced cars are now boycotting the car park, resulting in little income generation for TDC. The petitioners ask that a review is undertaken on the impact of charging at this location. That consideration is given to allowing a short period of free parking to support local business and that reasonable priced parking permits are offered.

The whole meeting can be seen on: Teignbridge Public-i TV