Residents invited to have their say on the future of local government in Devon
Residents in North Devon and Torridge are being invited to have their say on the future of local government in the county.
In December 2024 the Government announced plans to simplify the structure of local government across England. Areas such as Devon, which currently has a county council and district councils in a two-tier system, are being asked to develop plans to move to a single-tier unitary authority.
North Devon and Torridge district councils have been working with councils across Devon to work up proposals, and in March 2025 an interim plan was submitted on behalf of all Devon’s district councils, except Exeter.
The proposal, known as the ‘1-4-5 Plan’, includes:
Keeping Plymouth as a standalone unitary authority
Forming another unitary authority covering South Hams, Teignbridge, West Devon and Torbay
Creating a new unitary authority combining East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, Torridge and Exeter
Final proposals will be submitted to the Government in November 2025. Before then, the council would like to hear from residents, businesses and groups about what matters to them.
A survey will run until 11 August 2025. Responses will help shape the final proposal and ensure it reflects the needs of the communities of northern Devon.
Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, said:
“Services provided by the council, affect each and every one of us. If you want to have an input on what this will look like in the future, I would strongly urge you to make your voice heard and complete the questionnaire. These changes will affect many generations to come, so we are determined that our final proposals take into account as many, and as wide varying views as possible.”
Councillor David Clayton, Leader of North Devon Council, said:
“This is the biggest change to local government in North Devon for more than 50 years, and we are determined to ensure our proposals take into account the needs and aspirations of our communities.
“We want to hear from as many of our residents, businesses and local groups as possible. Your answers and insights will play a vital role in this change, and help us ensure North Devon and its communities are well represented and get the services they deserve for generations to come.”
Torridge residents can complete the survey online on the Let’s Talk website. If you need this survey as a paper version or large print you can request this by emailing customer.services@torridge.gov.uk or by calling 01237 428700 option 9. Paper copies are available at Riverbank House, Bideford, EX39 2QG.
Post written by Torridge District Council
Public Consultation on the future of Devon’s Libraries
Public consultation on the future of Devon’s libraries.
If you would like to fill out the survey online please go to: devon.cc/devon-libraries
Paper copies are available in the library if you would prefer one of those.
The survey closes on 22nd February 2026
What’s On at Holsworthy Library – February 2026
• Bounce & Rhyme, Thursday 5th, 12th & 26th – 2:15pm-2:45pm (term time only). Songs and stories for children 0-4 years old.
• Monday 9th – 2pm-4pm. Speak to a Healthwatch Devon Champion for support and guidance on local health and social care and to share your experiences with them.
• Half Term: Children’s Book Sale all week.
• Family History for Families! Monday 16th – 2:30-4:30. Booking required.
• Lego Challenge, Wednesday 18th – 11am-4pm. Drop in session.
• Board Games & Biscuits, Thursday 19th – 11am-4pm. Drop in session.
• Liz Shakespeare, author talk (The Ordeal of Miss Lucy Jones) Saturday 28th – 2:30pm. Book via Ticketsource, or with library staff. Free for library members, £2 for non-members.
• Lloyds Bank Community Banking, every other Monday 2-4. By appointment only – call 02077143681 to book direct with Lloyds.
• Self Service Baby Weigh. Every Thursday 1pm-4pm.
• Lego and games for children. Every Saturday – 10am-12pm
Have your say!
Devon County Council want to hear how you use libraries, what matters most to you, and what changes could help ensure libraries continue to support Devon’s communities.
Survey at: devon.cc/devon-libraries or, visit your local library for a paper copy. Ends 22nd February
Holsworthy Library
There are lots of exciting things happening at your local library. In addition to a great range of books you can use your library membership to access free eBooks and audiobooks via the Borrowbox app. We also have free public computers and Wi-Fi as well as printing, copying and scanning facilities. It is free to join the library, and we are a friendly, welcoming space open to all. Free hot drinks are available, and people are encouraged to use the library as a place to relax, work and socialise as well as to find their next great read!
For children, the library offers weekly Bounce and Rhyme sessions, a Saturday Club, craft activities and stories during the holidays as well as the popular Secret Book Quest and Libro’s Friends reading schemes.
We regularly host a Lloyds Community Banker, talks and other events so keep an eye out for posters or on our social media and website.
Holsworthy Library is part of Libraries Unlimited, a charity bringing ideas, imagination, creativity and knowledge to enrich lives and build thriving communities.
01409 253514
holsworthy.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk
www.discover.librariesunlimited.org.uk
Holsworthy Library on Facebook and Instagram
Opening Hours:
Monday 2pm-5pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10am-6pm
Thursday 10am-5pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 10am-1pm
Sunday Closed
TDC’s Household Support Fund
Torridge District Councils’ (TDC) Household Support Fund 7 is now open for applications and will run between April 2025 and March 2026. The process is managed by TDC’s partners at Encompass and the application form can be accessed via the link below. Please also read the information regarding eligible applications before applying.
Eligible applications include:
– Energy and water. The Fund will primarily be used to support energy bills for any form of fuel that is used for the purpose of domestic heating, cooking, or lighting, including oil or portable gas cylinders. It can also be used to support water bills including for drinking, washing, cooking, as well as for sanitary purposes and sewerage.
– Food. The Fund can be used to provide support with food, whether in kind or through vouchers.
– Essentials linked to energy and water. The Fund can be used to provide support with essentials linked to energy and water (for example period products, warm clothing, soap, blankets, the purchase of equipment such as fridges, freezers, ovens, slow cookers), in recognition that a range of costs may arise which directly affect a household’s ability to afford or access energy, food and water. Funding will also be available for such things as insulating a hot water tank, fitting draft excluders to a front door, or replacing lightbulbs.
– Wider essentials. The Fund can be used to support wider essential which may include but are not limited to, support with other bills including broadband or phone bills, clothing, and essential transport-related costs such as repairing a car, buying a bicycle, or paying for fuel. This list is not exhaustive.
– Housing costs. In exceptional cases of genuine emergency, where existing housing support schemes do not meet this exceptional need. The Fund cannot be used to provide mortgage support, though homeowners could still qualify for the other elements of The Fund (such as energy, food, water, essentials linked to energy and water and wider essentials). Where a homeowner is having difficulty with their mortgage payments, they should contact their lender as soon as possible to discuss their circumstances as lenders will have a set procedure to assist
Visit Torridge District Council’s Website to apply. Here
Public Consultation on the future of Devon’s Libraries
Public consultation on the future of Devon’s libraries.
If you would like to fill out the survey online please go to: devon.cc/devon-libraries
Paper copies are available in the library if you would prefer one of those.
The survey closes on 22nd February 2026
What’s On at Holsworthy Library – February 2026
• Bounce & Rhyme, Thursday 5th, 12th & 26th – 2:15pm-2:45pm (term time only). Songs and stories for children 0-4 years old.
• Monday 9th – 2pm-4pm. Speak to a Healthwatch Devon Champion for support and guidance on local health and social care and to share your experiences with them.
• Half Term: Children’s Book Sale all week.
• Family History for Families! Monday 16th – 2:30-4:30. Booking required.
• Lego Challenge, Wednesday 18th – 11am-4pm. Drop in session.
• Board Games & Biscuits, Thursday 19th – 11am-4pm. Drop in session.
• Liz Shakespeare, author talk (The Ordeal of Miss Lucy Jones) Saturday 28th – 2:30pm. Book via Ticketsource, or with library staff. Free for library members, £2 for non-members.
• Lloyds Bank Community Banking, every other Monday 2-4. By appointment only – call 02077143681 to book direct with Lloyds.
• Self Service Baby Weigh. Every Thursday 1pm-4pm.
• Lego and games for children. Every Saturday – 10am-12pm
Have your say!
Devon County Council want to hear how you use libraries, what matters most to you, and what changes could help ensure libraries continue to support Devon’s communities.
Survey at: devon.cc/devon-libraries or, visit your local library for a paper copy. Ends 22nd February
Holsworthy Library
There are lots of exciting things happening at your local library. In addition to a great range of books you can use your library membership to access free eBooks and audiobooks via the Borrowbox app. We also have free public computers and Wi-Fi as well as printing, copying and scanning facilities. It is free to join the library, and we are a friendly, welcoming space open to all. Free hot drinks are available, and people are encouraged to use the library as a place to relax, work and socialise as well as to find their next great read!
For children, the library offers weekly Bounce and Rhyme sessions, a Saturday Club, craft activities and stories during the holidays as well as the popular Secret Book Quest and Libro’s Friends reading schemes.
We regularly host a Lloyds Community Banker, talks and other events so keep an eye out for posters or on our social media and website.
Holsworthy Library is part of Libraries Unlimited, a charity bringing ideas, imagination, creativity and knowledge to enrich lives and build thriving communities.
01409 253514
holsworthy.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk
www.discover.librariesunlimited.org.uk
Holsworthy Library on Facebook and Instagram
Opening Hours:
Monday 2pm-5pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10am-6pm
Thursday 10am-5pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 10am-1pm
Sunday Closed
Holsworthy Town Council Budget and Precept For 2026/2027
At the January 2026 Full Council meeting, members agreed to a precept of £234,300 in the coming financial year to pay for the ongoing running costs of the Town Council. The precept is collected on the Town Council’s behalf by Torridge District Council and the Town Council’s share of the precept represents an increase of £0.96 per month for a person paying the full Council Tax Charge on a Band D property compared to last year. However, 76% of the properties in the Town fall in into Council Tax bands A to C and will therefore be paying less than this.
Holsworthy Town Council own and manage most of the recreational green spaces as well as five public footpaths in the town. The Council also run and organise several community events throughout the year. Its budgeted expenditure is more than £261,550 for 2026/27 versus an estimated income of £27,250.
The local precept covers the upkeep of Stanhope Park along with Badock and Rowland Gardens, as well as the management of events throughout the town including the very successful Christmas Switch on.
The Mayor of Holsworthy Councillor Jon Hutchings said “I am pleased the Council has been able to set a balanced and responsible budget that protects the services we provide locally. At a time when many households are under financial pressures the Council have kept the increase to a minimum. With devolution just around the corner we must prepare to take on some of the local services which may be lost, which will come at an additional cost to the Town Council”
In 2026/27 projects for the Town Council include maintaining the playpark equipment and pathways in Stanhope Park, a grand opening of the newly renovated community sunlounge in Badock Gardens and creating a community allotment.
In setting the Council’s budget for the financial year ahead, the Town Council has kept expenditure down to a minimum and endeavoured to make as many savings as it can within the town budget. Councillors will continue to weigh up the cost of any expenditure against the benefit to the community.
What’s On at Holsworthy Library – January 2026
• Bounce & Rhyme, Thursday 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th – 2:15pm-2:45pm (term time only). Songs and stories for children 0-4 years old.
• Lloyds Bank Community Banking, every other Monday 2-4. By appointment only – call 02077143681 to book.
• Mini Patchwork Workshop , Thursday 15th – 10:30am. Free to attend but limited spaces – please book with library staff.
• Re-Use & Repurpose: Creative Textile Workshop, Saturday 31st – 2pm-4pm. Book via Ticketsource, or with library staff. £3 for library members, £5 for non-members.
• Self Service Baby Weigh. Every Thursday 1pm-4pm.
• Lego and games for children. Every Saturday – 10am-12pm
Have your say! Devon County Council want to hear how you use libraries, what matters most to you, and what changes could help ensure libraries continue to support Devon’s communities. Survey at: devon.cc/devon-libraries or, visit your local library for a paper copy.
Holsworthy Library
There are lots of exciting things happening at your local library. In addition to a great range of books you can use your library membership to access free eBooks and audiobooks via the Borrowbox app. We also have free public computers and Wi-Fi as well as printing, copying and scanning facilities. It is free to join the library, and we are a friendly, welcoming space open to all. Free hot drinks are available, and people are encouraged to use the library as a place to relax, work and socialise as well as to find their next great read!
For children, the library offers weekly Bounce and Rhyme sessions, a Saturday Club, craft activities and stories during the holidays as well as the popular Secret Book Quest and Libro’s Friends reading schemes.
We regularly host a Lloyds Community Banker, evening talks and other events so keep an eye out for posters or on our social media and website.
Holsworthy Library is part of Libraries Unlimited, a charity bringing ideas, imagination, creativity and knowledge to enrich lives and build thriving communities.
01409 253514
holsworthy.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk
www.discover.librariesunlimited.org.uk
Holsworthy Library on Facebook and Instagram
Opening Hours:
Monday 2pm-5pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10am-6pm
Thursday 10am-5pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 10am-1pm
Sunday Closed
Public Consultation on the future of Devon’s Libraries
Public consultation on the future of Devon’s libraries.
If you would like to fill out the survey online please go to: devon.cc/devon-libraries
Paper copies are available in the library if you would prefer one of those.
The survey closes on 22nd February 2026
