Our Strategic Plan, Investing in Our Devon, sets out our vision for how, together, we can make Devon an even better place to live and work.

We are determined to strengthen our economy, increase the number of well-paid jobs and provide high quality education and training for our young people and all those who wish to improve their skills.

We will modernise our care services to ensure they can cope with the increase in demand we are facing from an aging population with ever more complex needs.

We will continue to support families doing one of the most valuable jobs in our society, bringing up young children, through the expansion of facilities such as children’s centres.

We will improve our roads and infrastructure, reduce waste and protect and safeguard our marvellous environment for future generations.

We will work closely with district councils, housing associations and other organisations to increase the number of affordable homes available to our families.

And we will listen to what people want from Devon County Council. They know best what their communities need. We may not always be able to achieve their aims and aspirations, but we will explain why.

We are embarking on this ambitious programme at a time of unprecedented economic difficulty. That means we have to ensure we get the best value for every pound of your money, reduce bureaucracy and red tape while improving frontline services.

But working together, I know we can make Devon an even better place to live.

John Hart

Leader, Devon County Council