Please see attached flyer for more details.

In aid of the Parish Hall and Air Ambulance.

7pm Molland Parish Hall.

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: 

• Creating a new unitary authority combining East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, Torridge and Exeter
• Forming another unitary authority covering South Hams, Teignbridge, West Devon and Torbay
• Keeping Plymouth as a standalone unitary authority 

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 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."

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.”

Residents in the North Devon district can take part in the survey by visiting the Lets Talk North Devon website.

Paper copies are available for completion from the Town Centre Hub in Barnstaple's Green Lanes Shopping Centre, the Ilfracombe Centre, and the Amory Centre, South Molton. Opening hours are available on the council's website. Paper copies or large print copies of the survey are also available on request by emailing the council's Corporate and Community Services team. 

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.

Please find attached the Notice of Public Rights and Publication of Annual Governance & Accountability Retun (Exempt Authority) that relates to the 2024/25 audit of the Parish Council.  Audit documents can be found under Parish Council, Legal Documents - 2025 Audit.

Please be advised that Molland PC meetings are now on the second Tuesday of every other month NOT the second Thursday.  The meeting in May is late because of village AGMs.  All take place at 7:30pm in the Parish Hall, Molland.  All are welcome.

The full details are below:

Tuesday 6th May - Parish Council AGM and Village AGM

Tuesday 20th May - Parish Council meeting.

Tuesday 8th July - Parish Council meeting.

Tuesday 9th September - Parish Council meeting.

Tuesday 11th November - Parish Council meeeting

The sun is shining at last and it's lovely to see signs of spring in the hedgerows. The daffodils are starting to flower and now primroses and celandines are appearing too.

Sadly however the litter is an ever growing problem! There are a few of us who pick up the litter where possible but it keeps on coming . As members of the Parish Council, we wondered whether anyone would be interested in joining a local litter picking group. This could be an opportunity to get together for a sociable walk and chat or to do it alone if you prefer. Maybe a chance to get to know your neighbours. We are happy to provide equipment as necessary.

If anyone's interested or has any ideas please message this page or contact Debby on 07813 047844 or email mollandmare@icloud.com

North Devon Council is inviting people to have their say on a new draft Housing Strategy, which sets out a high-level vision and objectives as to how the council plans to try and meet the housing needs and hopes of our communities.

The Housing Strategy will guide the Council's activities in delivering and discharging its housing functions and responsibilities, whilst ensuring that resources and efforts are best directed to tackle the housing challenges that the area faces. It was compiled following the publication of the Devon Housing Commission Report in July 2024, championed by Lord Best.

The draft Strategy has been prepared in full consultation with a working group of elected Members, who have been involved through a dedicated workshop and feedback sessions. It is built on a foundation of three themes:

• Prevent Homelessness: Preventing homelessness by supporting citizens to stay in their current home if they have one, but if this isn’t possible/or they are already homeless seek to help them find alternative solutions.
• Provide New Housing Supply: Supply new housing to meet social demand, delivering affordable & sustainable healthy homes wherever possible.
• Make Homes Healthy: Improving the quality of existing homes making them safe and healthy, in turn making their occupants healthy too.

The Council recognises the value of gaining different perspectives and insights and therefore inviting you to submit your views. The draft strategy is available for wider consultation for a period of seven weeks from Monday 10 February 2025 to Monday 31 March 2025. 

You can view the draft strategy and find out more by visiting the Council's website at Let's Talk North Devon

The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete and your views and feedback are valued.

The Council is using a new IT platform for consultation and engagement and you are invited to register to be kept up to date with opportunities to have your say and get involved with shaping the future of North Devon Register | Let's Talk North Devon

Thank you for your time when the survey closes the results will be summarised and presented to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 12 May 2025.  You can find Committee agendas and reports on the North Devon Council Committee Meetings webpage.  Browse Meetings, 2025 | North Devon Council

Kind regards

The Community Engagement Team (North Devon District Council)

Thank you to Nigel Penfold for pointing out the following:

As from 1st October, it will be a legal requirement for everyone who keeps any sort of birds on their property to register them with DEFRA. This applies to chickens, ducks, birds of prey ... everything. Previously, if you kept fewer than 50, there was no requirement to register, but there is now no lower limit. Pet birds kept indoors are exempt. The registration process is quick. Details on the DEfRA website.

Do you work/train in construction or a trade? Maybe you're a home owner or heritage building enthusiast...?

If so, you should check out NDDC's new website northdevonheritageskills.co.uk

The Heritage Skills project, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, seeks to address the heritage skills gap in North Devon and help protect the district's local historic buildings.

The aim is to support training and development of the skills needed to maintain the historic buildings and places of North Devon, where we live, work, learn and play. These buildings will go on for many years to come if we look after them well, with the right people, having the right skills, and using the right materials.

The website will host a directory of trades and service professionals, information for property owners, and links to skills and training opportunities; organisers will be hosting a range of course between October 2024 and March 2025. 

If you are over State Pension age, you may be eligible to claim Pension Credit, even if you own your home or have savings. People who claim Pension Credit may also be able to get:

- The Winter Fuel Payment and other help with heating costs

- Help with rent and Council Tax

- A free TV Licence for those aged 75 or over 

- Help with the cost of NHS services, such as NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments

You could be eligible for Pension Credit if your weekly income is below £218.15 or, if you have a partner who lives with you, £332.95. Qualifying income level may be higher in some circumstances.

Don’t miss out.  Check your eligibility at gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling 0800 99 1234

Molland Parish Council meetings are held on the second Thursday of every other month (unless otherwise stated), usually starting at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall, Molland. Members of the public are welcome.

• Thurs 11th January 
• Thurs 14th March

Thurs 9th May Village Annual Meeting and Parish Council Annual Meeting

• Thurs 23rd May
• Thurs 11th July
• Thurs 12th September
• Thurs 14th November

For any queries, please contact Ian Fisher, Parish Clerk - 07784 177666 mollandparish@gmail.com