All local authorities across the nation are dealing with tough challenges. While funding decreases, costs rise and demands on councils continue to increase.

In making the tough choices required in Exeter, this Labour administration focuses on what benefits residents, while we also make sure we deliver the core services all councils are required to deliver.

Despite enduring funding cuts from central government for over 14 years, Exeter City Council is a well-run authority able to generate the income and minimise costs to continue to deliver services within a balanced budget.

Last year’s unique pressures included higher than normal cost of living increases in staff salaries and spiralling energy costs. This has meant that for the 2024/25 financial year we have had to find a further £1.25m in savings or increased income to deliver services within a balanced budget. Despite these financial difficulties, we’ve continued to support individuals, communities, businesses and tourism to maintain Exeter as a great place to live in 2024.

We’ve achieved a lot this year!

Our Council’s retrofit programme has been recognised with several awards including the National Unlock Net Zero category in ‘Green Homes Upgrade of the Year’ awards.  We were also recognized for our renewable energy project at Water Lane and celebrated our two millionth visitor at St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre. In the spring, the City Council will lead efforts for city-wide net zero emissions, collaborating with various groups across the city.

Our success relies on working closely with partners and residents. We’re committed to finding solutions together and achieving our vision for an inclusive, healthy and sustainable city. This manifesto outlines what Labour achieved last year and our priorities and pledges for 2024.

Cllr Phil Bialyk, Labour Leader, Exeter City Council

Our priorities going forward

Against a wide range of challenges, we will continue to deliver on our four priorities for the coming year:

• Exeter’s People

In leading Exeter City Council, we commit to supporting residents and community groups, sustaining cultural and leisure programs to improve health, well-being and enrichment and increase safety in our city alongside working in partnership to address anti-social behaviour.

• Exeter’s Sustainable Environment

We will work with you and the city’s key partners, businesses, communities and residents to decrease our carbon emissions, ensure our parks and open spaces are properly maintained, and focus on increasing tree canopy coverage and biodiversity.

• Exeter’s Homes

We are dedicated to fighting homelessness, expanding our own council housing, sharing our Exeter Plan for future housing developments in Exeter and fulfilling our Liveable Exeter aspirations.

• Exeter’s Economy

Despite reduced government funding and the increasing cost of living, we are committed to maintaining a strong and resilient council. We will collaborate with InExeter and local businesses to revitalise the city centre. We will work to enhance our capacity to attract new businesses and continue to invest in our culture and tourism industries.

ACTIONS NOT WORDS