Exeter’s Labour led council has launched its 2026 manifesto with a clear message: politics should be about delivery, not empty promises.
At a time when many councils are cutting services, Exeter has taken a different path, protecting what matters, investing in communities and keeping council tax low.
The approach, Labour says, is simple: promise what can be delivered, then get on and deliver it.
Over the past two years, that has meant:
- More than £775,000 in cost of living support reaching over 5,000 households
- Anti social behaviour down by 21.9% after expanding community safety teams and CCTV
- New council homes delivered, with more on the way
- 1,250 homes made warmer and cheaper to run through retrofit
- No cuts to frontline services despite national pressures
With the new Renters’ Rights Act now in force, more than 33,000 Exeter renters are also set to benefit from stronger protections, enforced locally by the council.
Council Leader Phil Bialyk said:
“People are tired of politicians promising everything and delivering very little.
In Exeter, we take a different approach. We promise what we know we can deliver and then we get on and do it.
That is why, while others are cutting back, we have protected services, supported residents and kept the council financially strong.”
The manifesto sets out the next phase of delivery, including:
- A permanent, expanded Community Safety Team across the city
- A new £130,000 Pride in Exeter programme to improve neighbourhoods
- More council homes and stronger action on housing
- Continued investment in green energy and lower carbon living
- Support for local businesses and a thriving city centre
Cllr Bialyk added:
“This is not a wishlist, it is a plan built on a track record.
We have shown that even in tough times you can run a stable council, invest in your city and make a real difference to people’s lives.
Exeter is in a strong position and we are building on that.”
With balanced budgets, rising resident satisfaction and continued investment, Labour says Exeter is moving forward while others struggle to stand still.