01/08/2026
It was another busy agenda at Teignbridge’s latest full council meeting on Tuesday. While the national political scene remains as volatile as ever and Local Government Reorganisation continues apace – though with challenges pending to the decision made by the government – district councillors for now have to continue to play the hand that we are dealt and ensure that we hand over a council and set of services in as robust a shape as possible to the authorities that succeed us.
As the Conservatives’ spokesperson on Teignbridge’s finances, I highlighted in particular the ongoing structural deficit in the revenue budget – the one that funds day-to-day services – and the need to speed up the delivery or commitment of infrastructure and other capital projects before Teignbridge ceases to exist in April 2028.
One example of a capital project that has taken a long time to come to fruition, will deliver value for residents, and will likely make Teignbridge’s budget healthier, is the redevelopment of Dawlish Leisure Centre, which will now go ahead following council’s decision.
The Conservatives first put it on the capital programme in 2018 just before handing over control of Teignbridge to the Lib Dems; it has taken until now for a proposal to come to council to approve. The improvements will bring an ageing facility up to date and likely result in increased memberships, reducing the deficit that the centre posts and that council taxpayers subsidise every year.
Aside from substantive decisions on actions for residents, Teignbridge also adopted the principles of the Debate Not Hate campaign, which encourages us to debate issues with respect and never resort to personal abuse or incitement.
