Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

It was proposed by the Leader Councillor keeling, seconded by the Deputy Leader Councillor Palethorpe and

RESOLVED

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 15 January 2026 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair

It was proposed by the Leader Councillor keeling, seconded by the Deputy Leader Councillor Palethorpe and

RESOLVED

The Minutes of the meeting held on 15 January 2026 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair

Announcements only from the Chair of Council, Leader, Members of the Executive or the Managing Director.

The Chair announced that given the large number of Cllr questions for agenda item 7 and the fact that the focus of the meeting was the Budget, he would exercise his discretion and move the Budget item to Agenda item 7.

The Leader referred to 24 February 2026 being the 4-year anniversary of the Ukrainian invasion and thanked all residents who had shown kindness and compassion to the Ukrainians in the District.

The Deputy Leader referred to the £100k donated from the South Dartmoor and Teignbridge Community Safety Partnership for the Let’s Talk Programme  - Violence against Women and Girls which would be launched in April.

Information pertaining to the Members' Code of Conduct and guidance relating to declaring interests can be found on the following webpage: Teignbridge District Council - Councillor-conduct

Councillor Rogers declared a pecuniary interest in agenda item 10 by virtue of being a Member of Dartmoor National Park Authority and did not take part in the debate or voting.

Councillors Dawson and Rogers declared a pecuniary interest in agenda items 16b and 16c by virtue of being Devon County Councillors and did not take part in the debate or voting.

The Chair of the Council to receive any petitions submitted by Members of the Council or Members of the Public.

Cllr Bullivant handed a petition to the Chair:

-        About the failure by developers to complete new developments, and the negative financial and lack of services impact on residents.

-        Requesting a 25% reduction in council tax until the roads are adopted.

The petition would be dealt with in accordance with the council’s petition procedure.

Members of the public may ask questions. A maximum period of 15 minutes will be allowed with a maximum period of three minutes per questioner.

The question submitted by Buckfastleigh Town Councillor Clarke regarding community Infrastructure Levy, and the response by the Executive Member for Corporate and Finance was published prior to the meeting. 

In accordance with the Council’s procedure rules, a supplementary question was asked of the Executive Member which can be viewed at the link below. A written response would be given.

Agenda for Full Council on Thursday, 26th February, 2026, 10.00 am - Teignbridge District Council

To consider a recommendation from the Executive in relation to the Final Financial Plan Proposals 2025/26 to 2028/29.

RESOLVED:

1.     That the Teignbridge band D council tax for 2026/27 is increased by 2.99% or £6.05 to £208.33 per annum.

2.     Maintaining 100% council tax support.

3.     That general reserves are increased to 12.4% of the net revenue budget for 2026/27 or £2.6 million.

4.     That £200,000 of the general reserve balance in any one year be available to the Executive to meet unexpected expenditure in addition to the agreed revenue budget.

5.     All other decisions with regard to budgetary change will be approved by reference to virement rules in the financial instructions.

6.     That the summary revenue budget for 2026/27 is £21.0 million as shown at appendix 4. In particular the revenue budget includes:

a)    Assumptions of a 3.0% pay rise for 2026/27.

b)    Revenue contributions to fund capital are maintained at £1,500,000 to support the capital budget.

c)     Core voluntary grants are increased by 4% for three years from 2026/27 through to 2028/29.

d)    The councillors community fund grant is maintained at £1,000 each.

e)    Continued resources to cover Modern 25.

7.     That fees and charges are approved as shown summarised at appendix 6.

8.     That the capital programme as shown at appendix 7 is approved. The capital programme to 2028/29 has been updated to align with the One Teignbridge Action Plan, which was adopted at Full Council on 23 October 2025. The main aims are to work with communities, support the local economy, care for the environment, create affordable homes and work with partners to bring forward infrastructure improvements. It also includes:

Infrastructure delivery plan projects are vital to the development and accessibility of the area. These include highways and cycle path projects, funded by CIL and external sources where available.

Investment in housing (Homes4Teignbridge) continues. On 23 October 2025, the Sherborne House car park social rented flats budget was increased to £7,243,317. Homes England funding in support of the scheme was confirmed in early December 2025. Half of the funds for this scheme come from council resources (receipts and internal borrowing) and half from external contributions.

The purchase of council homes supported by the Local Authority Housing Fund continues, with a further provision of £1,000,000 in prudential borrowing to improve temporary accommodation arrangements and reduce the use and cost of bed and breakfast accommodation. Investment in other support measures such as disabled facilities continue, funded from Better Care grant.

There are provisions to continue corporate decarbonisation measures, including energy efficiency measures at Dawlish and Newton Abbot leisure centres.

Provision is also included for town-centre investment, including the refurbished Market Hall in Newton Abbot, due to complete in 2026. There is a £3,000,000 provision for employment infrastructure, to create new spaces for jobs and local enterprise. These projects aim to stimulate growth in the local economy and ensure it is an attractive and well-connected environment for local businesses.

9.     That the Financial Plan 2026 to 2031 is approved as set out in appendix 8.

10.That the prudential indicators are noted and the prudential limits approved  ...  view the full decision text for item 165.

The Executive Member for Corporate and Finance Councillor Parrott presented the budget proposals for 2026/27 to 2028/29 which included the following: 

·       The Government settlement has been particularly complicated this year and there have been significant changes from previous years.

·       This is a three-year settlement which gives us some welcome stability albeit that the formula disadvantages predominantly rural areas such as Teignbridge.

·       There have been major changes to the main funding formula with a stronger link to levels of deprivation.

·       Many funding streams have been rolled into the main funding formula instead of being provided as separate grants.

·       The baseline for retained business rates has been reset.

·       The new homes bonus has been abolished.

·       Some grant pots have been simplified and consolidated including homelessness prevention rough sleeping and temporary accommodation.

·       The government has provided some transitional funding including a minimum funding floor to protect councils from the full impact of the funding changes.

There are uncertainties, particularly the likely re-structuring of Local Government in Devon within the next few years but it was important to maintain a high standard of financial management and act in the best interests of the residents of Teignbridge.

Despite the disappointing Government Settlement, due to prudent management of the Council’s finances the budget deficit has been significantly reduced and now estimated at £1m for each of the following 3 years. This equates to 1.5% of projected annual revenue expenditure.

Over the next 2 years plans are to invest almost £35m in projects that will benefit the lives of people living in Teignbridge.

The difference between expenditure and income was reducing but the deficit going forward each year would still be approximately £1m.

The Chair referred to the agenda report which detailed other issues of the budget for consideration, and the consultation undertaken with residents, the community and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Executive.

It was proposed by Councillor Parrott and seconded by the Leader Cllr Keeling that the budget proposals as set out in supplementary pack to the agenda published 18 February 2026 be approved.

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 a roll call was taken.

For the proposals: Councillors Buscombe, Dawson, Foden, Gearon, Goodman-Bradbury, Hayes, Henderson, Jackman, Keeling, Macgregor, Morgan, Nutley, Palethorpe, C Parker, Parrott, Rollason, Sanders, K Smith, Swain, G Taylor, Wrigley, Major, Steemson

Total 23

Against the proposals: Councillors Bradford, J Taylor

Total 2

Abstentions: Councillors Atkins, Bullivant, Clarance, Hall, Horner, Peart, Radford, Rogers, Ryan, M Smith, Thorne

Total 11

The proposal was CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

1.     That the Teignbridge band D council tax for 2026/27 is increased by 2.99% or £6.05 to £208.33 per annum.

2.     Maintaining 100% council tax support.

3.     That general reserves are increased to 12.4% of the net revenue budget for 2026/27 or £2.6 million.

4.     That £200,000 of the general reserve balance in any one year be available to the Executive to meet unexpected expenditure in addition to the agreed revenue budget.

5.     All other decisions with regard to budgetary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 165.

Members of the Council may ask questions of the Council subject to procedural rules.

Questions were submitted by Councillors Bullivant and Macgregor which were published with responses prior to the meeting. Questions related to the Dawlish railway line, emergency flood plans, structural damage during the recent storms and repair works, fear of voyeurism and work to address this fear, maintenance repairs to the Lido at Teignmouth, and Invest to save opportunities.

In accordance with the Council’s procedure rules supplementary questions were asked and either responded to verbally of would be by written answer, and can be viewed at the link below.

Agenda for Full Council on Thursday, 26th February, 2026, 10.00 am - Teignbridge District Council

To provide members with details about the proposal to remove the existing discretionary discount for properties that are undergoing or require major/ significant repairs or structural changes/work to make the property capable of being lived in. This has been suggested by the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Task Group and recommended by Executive at their meeting on 2.12.25 to seek Full Council approval. 

RESOLVED:

1)    From 1st April 2026, the Council no longer offers the 50% Council Tax Discount for up to 12 months for properties that are deemed to be undergoing or require major/ significant repairs or structural changes/work ; and

2)    Revokes the original decision to award the discount that was agreed by Full Council on 15 January 2013, that took effect from 1 April 2013.

Consideration was given to the agenda report to remove the existing discretionary discount for properties undergoing or requiring major/ significant repairs or structural changes/work to make the property capable of being lived in.

This potential £600k saving was suggested by the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Task Group and recommended by Executive at its December 2025 meeting for approval.

This would encourage properties back into use, would decrease the administrative burden on the service, and financial support would be considered for cases caused exceptional hardship by the requirement to pay council tax.

It was proposed by Councillor Parrot, the Executive Member for Corporate and Finance and seconded by the Leader Councillor Keeling and

RESOLVED

1)    From 1st April 2026, the Council no longer offers the 50% Council Tax Discount for up to 12 months for properties that are deemed to be undergoing or require major/ significant repairs or structural changes/work; and

2)    Revokes the original decision to award the discount that was agreed by Full Council on 15 January 2013, that took effect from 1 April 2013.

To seek approval from Full Council for the implementation of a CIL Community Fund with associated management and scrutiny structures.

RESOLVED:

1.     Implement the CIL Community Fund with assigned governance structures as set out.

2.     Delegate authority to the Director of Place, in consultation with Executive Member for Economy, Estates and Major Projects to approve details including the Terms of Reference for the evaluation group, scoring criteria detail and weighting.

Councillor Palethorpe, the Executive Member for Economy, Estates and Major Projects presented the report for the creation and implementation, management and scrutiny proposals for a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) community fund which Towns and Parishes can bid for matched funding of community infrastructure projects.

In response to Councillor questions advise given included:

·     This is a fund for every town and parish in Teignbridge including those in the Dartmoor National Park (DNP) boundary. Those in the DNP area will need to demonstrate how the spending will benefit residents within the Teignbridge Local Plan area.

·     The report appendices set out the Bid Evaluation Group terms of reference. and membership, and how bids will be assessed and approved.

·     It aims to make CIL funding easier to apply for.

·     CIL is led by government policy.

It was proposed by Councillor Palethorpe, seconded by the Leader Councillor Keeling and unanimously

RESOLVED

1.     Implement the CIL Community Fund with assigned governance structures as set out.

2.     Delegate authority to the Director of Place, in consultation with Executive Member for Economy, Estates and Major Projects to approve details including the Terms of Reference for the evaluation group, scoring criteria detail and weighting.

To seek agreement of the social and affordable housing rent and service charge increase from 1 April 2026, following consultation with council tenants.

This item was withdrawn.

This item was withdrawn and deferred until a future meeting.

To consider the recommendation from the Strata Joint Executive Committee meeting held on 28 January 2026:

That the Committee recommends the Strata Business Plan to be approved by the three partner Councils.

The link to the Stata Joint Executive Committee Agenda, Business Plan and Minutes can be found at: https://democracy.teignbridge.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=171&MId=3664&Ver=4

RESOLVED:

The Strata Business Plan 2026/27 be approved.

The Deputy Leader Councillor Palethorpe, as Chair of the Strata Joint Executive Committee (JEC) referred to the recommendation from JEC that the Strata Business Plan 2026/27 be approved by the three partner Councils, and how Strata has demonstrated a successful shared service across authorities.

The Strata Director presented the annual Business Plan, referring to successes and achievements, finance and value for money, and the stability of the support for services to be provided to residents as expected. 

The Managing Director referred to the Strata system security being one of the best in the wider area.

It was proposed by the Deputy Leader Councillor Palethorpe, seconded by the Leader Councillor Keeling and

RESOLVED:

The Strata Business Plan 2026/27 be approved.

At this juncture the meeting adjourned for a short comfort break.

The meeting reconvened.

To approve the recommendation to Council from the Appointments and Remuneration Committee held on 10 February 2026 that:

The updated Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 is adopted.

The agenda, reports and minutes can be found at the link below:

Agenda for Appointments & Remuneration Committee on Tuesday, 10th February, 2026, 11.00 am - Teignbridge District Council

RESOLVED:

The updated Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 is adopted.

It was proposed by the Leader, seconded by the Deputy Leader and

RESOLVED

The updated Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 is adopted.

To approve the attached revised Section 8E (Guidance for Planning).

RESOLVED

The revised Section 8E (Guidance for Planning) as circulated with the agenda be approved with the following amendment:

That within Section 8.5 (Attendance at site visits) “Other Ward Members (if applicable)” is moved from the “Those authorised to attend a site visit inspection and speak” list to the “Those invited as observers only” list.

The Chair referred to the recommendations of the Constitution Review Working Group regarding Section 8E Guidance for Planning.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Sanders, seconded by Councillor Swain that the revised Section 8E (Guidance for Planning) as circulated with the agenda be approved with the following amendment:

That within Section 8.5 (Attendance at site visits) “Other Ward Members (if applicable)” is moved from the “Those authorised to attend a site visit inspection and speak” list to the “Those invited as observers only” list.

Councillor Sanders advised that the amendment was in accordance with legal advice as best practice.

A second amendment was proposed by Councillor J Taylor and seconded by Councillor Macgregor that the matter be referred back to the Review Group for consideration.

Councillor Sanders as Chair of the Planning Committee added that processes are vulnerable and the Council is open to challenge if ward members are able to speak at site inspections when they are not a member of the Committee.

The Managing Director reiterated the risk to the Council. Site inspections are an extension of the Planning Committee so those who are not a member of that committee should not be able to speak at site inspections.

The first amendment was put to the vote and carried by a majority vote.

The substantive motion was carried by 20 votes for 5 against and 3 abstentions.

RESOLVED

The revised Section 8E (Guidance for Planning) as circulated with the agenda be approved with the following amendment:

That within Section 8.5 (Attendance at site visits) “Other Ward Members (if applicable)” is moved from the “Those authorised to attend a site visit inspection and speak” list to the “Those invited as observers only” list.

To approve the recommendation from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 3 February 2026:

The Council is recommended to approve:

(1)  The collection of cartons, plastic bags and wrapping for recycling is introduced in line with Option 1 as detailed in the agenda report.

(2)  The collection of batteries is removed from the household recycling collection service from April 2027, and appropriate monitoring programme is put in place to ensure the service safety is considered. 

The agenda, reports and minutes can be found at the following link:

Agenda for Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, 3rd February, 2026, 10.00 am - Teignbridge District Council

RESOLVED

1.   The collection of cartons, plastic bags and wrapping for recycling is introduced in line with Option 1 as detailed in the agenda report.

2. The collection of batteries is removed from the household recycling collection service from April 2027, and appropriate monitoring programme is put in place to ensure the service safety is considered.

Councillor Bullivant as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee referred to the recommendation from the Committee for approval relating to improvements to the recycling collection service.

It was proposed by Councillor Bullivant, seconded by Councillor Palethorpe and

RESOLVED

1.   The collection of cartons, plastic bags and wrapping for recycling is introduced in line with Option 1 as detailed in the agenda report.

2. The collection of batteries is removed from the household recycling collection service from April 2027, and appropriate monitoring programme is put in place to ensure the service safety is considered.

Members of the Council are able to submit Notices of Motions subject to procedural rules. There is an overall time limit of 60 minutes for Notices of Motions, at the end of this period any motions not heard shall carry forward to the next meeting.

Notices of Motion were considered as follows:

The following motion on Chatty Benches has been proposed by Councillor Chris Clarance, seconded by Councillor Alex Hall and supported by the requisite number of Members within the procedural rules.

Background

Teignbridge offers places and supplies memorial benches for relatives wanting to commemorate those who have passed on. This is able to take place when a person donates money to Teignbridge which includes a sum of money to have it looked after for a period of 20 years. Shaldon in general has many of these benches including all along Marine Parade (20 benches plus 5 vacant spots where benches fallen apart once were) and in parks and places all over Shaldon and indeed throughout the District.

Chatty Benches initiative

Chatty Benches is where existing or newly installed benches have a sign on them that shows by sitting on them, a person is happy to chat with whoever comes and sits next to them.

Chatty Benches is a national initiative, and signs have been installed in various locations across the Country in a bid to combat loneliness and isolation. For those who are feeling lonely, or needing to talk, Chatty Benches are a great way of encouraging people to connect with others.

Proposal

Mental Health encompassing depression and loneliness is something I would like to highlight and to try to leave a better legacy over in my time of being a Councillor and to give people the opportunity of being less lonely in life whilst alive.

I would like to propose an addition to the Memorial Benches scheme to allow people who want to donate a bench be given the opportunity of not only having a memorial plaque placed on the bench, but having it painted a different one colour (Yellow is the nationally recognised colour for Chatty Benches) and the additional words “Chatty Bench” written on the plaque or on a separate plaque.

So in effect anyone choosing to sit on such a bench is expected to be engaged in conversation by a total stranger and in effect vice versa. This is nothing new, there are other Councils within the UK that make much the same provision, and I feel it would be nice for Teignbridge to adopt such a scheme leading the way in this area.

I for one would like to do this, by providing such a bench, on behalf of a deceased neighbour who back in October 2024 passed away aged 99, who admitted to my wife Sally, who cared for her for over the last two years of her life, that before this she had been so lonely in life.

The Motion asks that the Council resolves to:

1. Introduce an addition to the Memorial Bench scheme to allow for residents who wish to donate a memorial bench to have it painted a different colour to make it stand out and include a ‘Chatty Bench’ plaque to encourage people using the benches to talk to each other to promote the reduction of isolation and loneliness.

RESOLVED

The Motion be approved:

The Council introduces an addition to the Memorial Bench scheme to allow for residents who wish to donate a memorial bench to have it painted a different colour to make it stand out and include a ‘Chatty Bench’ plaque to encourage people using the benches to talk to each other to promote the reduction of isolation and loneliness.

Councillor Clarance spoke on his proposed Notice of Motion as set out in the agenda and which was seconded by Councillor Macgregor.

The proposal was put to the vote and CARRIED

 RESOLVED

The Motion be approved:

The Council introduces an addition to the Memorial Bench scheme to allow for residents who wish to donate a memorial bench to have it painted a different colour to make it stand out and include a ‘Chatty Bench’ plaque to encourage people using the benches to talk to each other to promote the reduction of isolation and loneliness.

The following motion on State of Roads has been proposed by Councillor Phil Bullivant, seconded by Councillor John Nutley and supported by the requisite number of Members within the procedural rules.

The current deteriorating state of roads in Teignbridge is a disgrace, with numerous areas affected by significantly increasing numbers of potholes.

Whilst some deterioration is normal during the cold weather the significant increase is much worse than in previous years.

The marked deterioration seen with many old repairs failing and delays in rectifying new issues on major and minor routes throughout Teignbridge demonstrates a failure of Devon County Council contractors to provide a professional and lasting solution to this issue.

This Council is requested to write to Devon County Council to register our concerns and require details of their plans to improve this unsatisfactory situation.

RESOLVED

The Notice of Motion is not supported.

Councillor Bullivant spoke on his proposed Notice of Motion as set out in the agenda. This was seconded by Councillor Nutley.

The proposal was put to the vote and was LOST.

RESOLVED

The Notice of Motion is not supported.

The following motion on Speed Camera on Ashburton Road has been proposed by Councillor Phil Bullivant, seconded by Councillor Alex Hall and supported by the requisite number of Members within the procedural rules.

Exceeding the speed limit is unacceptable particularly in a residential area at any time.

The process for administering appropriate sanctions requires that the public understand why sanctions are in place and that the enforcement is seen to be appropriate and fair.

Speed cameras are an accepted means of establishing breaches of speed limits and the criteria for their location and operation are well established.

A camera set up on the Ashburton Road 30mph area appears to be in breach of established custom and practice as below:-

Speed survey criteria

•        At least 15% of traffic must exceed the ACPO/NPCC enforcement threshold (speed limit + 10% + 2?mph), or exceed by 5 mph, for any speed enforcement to be valid.

Site suitability

The Highway Authority must confirm:

•        The speed limit is appropriate.

•        No cheaper engineering solution is more effective.

•        Relevant Traffic Regulation Orders and signage are correct and legal.

Visibility & Signing Standards

•        Camera visibility: Must be clearly visible; cannot be concealed by vegetation or hidden from drivers.

•        Advance signs: Preceding enforcement zones must have clear warnings. On dual carriageways, signs are required on both sides of the road.

Since installation, over 6000 motorists have been in receipt of proceedings initiated by this camera installation.

Many recipients have highlighted the location of the small camera installed on a lamppost with minimal signage and poor visual awareness.

There have also been complaints of proceedings for speeds of less than 35mph.

The stretch of road where the installation took place is where there are no access driveways, the cycle way is separate to the road and there are no residential premises fronting on to the road.

Will the Council contact the appropriate authority to establish:

1.     What was the basis for the camera installation?

2.     Who decided on the parameters for the actual installation?

3.     How many proceedings have been instigated for speeds of 35mph or less?

4.     Does the installation meet national standards for speed camera locations?

RESOLVED

The Notice of Motion is not supported.

Councillor Bullivant spoke on his proposed Notice of Motion as set out in the agenda. This was seconded by Councillor M Smith.

The proposal was put to the vote and was LOST.

RESOLVED

The Notice of Motion is not supported.