27/02/2023
Devon County Council: A Comprehensive Overview for Businesses and Residents
Devon County Council (DCC) plays a pivotal role in the lives of over 833,000 residents across the Devon region. From essential services like education and social care to infrastructure and waste management, DCC orchestrates a vast array of public provisions. For businesses, understanding how to engage with the council, whether as a supplier or through understanding its financial structure, is crucial. This article delves into the intricacies of doing business with Devon County Council, demystifies the Council Tax system, and highlights the council's commitment to achieving value for money and supporting local economies.
Getting Involved: Business Opportunities with DCC
Devon County Council actively seeks to partner with businesses to deliver its wide-ranging services. If your organisation is looking to enter into a contract with DCC, the process is designed to be transparent and accessible. For those new to engaging with the council and seeking to establish a business relationship, a direct line of communication is available. Interested parties should direct their inquiries via email to [email protected]. This dedicated channel ensures that potential new suppliers are guided effectively towards relevant opportunities.
For businesses that are already established partners and wish to discuss the specifics of an existing contract, a separate and specialised contact point exists. To facilitate these discussions, please reach out to [email protected]. This ensures that existing contractual matters are handled by the appropriate administrative and procurement teams, maintaining efficient communication channels.
The council regularly publishes details of its current contracts and the services they encompass. This information is invaluable for businesses looking to identify potential areas of collaboration. Furthermore, for those specifically interested in the tendering process and past contract awards, the official portal, www.devontenders.gov.uk, is the go-to resource. This website provides insights into upcoming tenders, application procedures, and crucially, the results of previous tenders that have been awarded by DCC. This transparency allows businesses to gauge the council's procurement history and tailor their proposals accordingly.
Understanding Council Tax in Devon
Council Tax is a fundamental component of local government funding, and Devon County Council, like all local authorities, relies on it to finance a significant portion of its services. The money collected through Council Tax is not solely allocated to DCC; rather, it is distributed among various local public authorities to fund a spectrum of essential services. Understanding your Council Tax liability and how it's utilised is vital for residents.
Council Tax is paid to your local authority – the council for the specific area where you reside. If you are unsure about your Council Tax payments, or need to register and receive a bill, your first point of contact should be your local district or city council. They are responsible for the administration, billing, and collection of Council Tax, and can provide guidance on payment methods and schedules.
Council Tax Charges for 2025/26
For the financial year 2025/26, the Council Tax charge levied by Devon County Council for an average Band D property is set at £1,801.26. This represents an increase of 4.99%, or £85.59, from the previous year's charge of £1,715.67 for 2024/25. This adjustment reflects the ongoing pressures of inflation, increasing demand for services, and market dynamics that impact the cost of service delivery.
The financial landscape for local government is subject to regular review and adjustment. The provisional local government finance settlement for 2025/26 was initially published by the government on 18 December 2024, with final figures released on 3 February 2025, preceding parliamentary debate. The 2025/26 settlement is a one-year agreement, marking a transition period following the General Election in July 2024. A comprehensive Spending Review is underway, expected to conclude in spring 2025, which will inform multi-year settlements from 2026/27 onwards. This period is characterised by significant challenges and changes for local government, prompting DCC to focus on becoming stronger and more financially sustainable.
How Your Council Tax is Allocated
The Council Tax you pay is distributed to several different bodies, each responsible for specific public services:
- Devon County Council: Funds services such as education, roads maintenance, adult and children's social care, libraries, youth services, and recycling centres.
- Your District Council: Responsible for services including refuse collection, kerbside recycling, housing, planning applications, street cleaning, and leisure facilities.
- Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner: Finances law and order initiatives and crime reduction strategies.
- Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority: Provides fire prevention, fire fighting, and rescue services.
- Local Town and Parish Councils: Contribute to local amenities and community-specific services.
The total amount of Council Tax payable is the sum of the precepts from all these authorities. DCC, as a precepting authority, does not administer Council Tax payments. Any queries regarding payments, rebates, or benefits should be directed to your district or city council.
Council Tax Bands and Charges
Your Council Tax band is determined by the Valuation Office, based on the open market value of your property as of 1 April 1991. Properties are assigned to one of eight bands, which will be clearly stated on your Council Tax bill. In certain circumstances, the number of adults residing in a household can also influence the final bill.
Here is a breakdown of Devon County Council's 2025/26 Council Tax charges per band:
| Council Tax Band | DCC Charge (2025/26) |
|---|---|
| Band A | £1,200.84 |
| Band B | £1,400.98 |
| Band C | £1,601.12 |
| Band D | £1,801.26 |
| Band E | £2,201.54 |
| Band F | £2,601.82 |
| Band G | £3,002.10 |
| Band H | £3,602.52 |
It's important to note that these figures represent DCC's portion of the Council Tax. Your total bill will include contributions to the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Fire and Rescue Authority, your district council, and potentially your local town or parish council.
For the 2025/26 financial year, Council Tax bills will include a specific component designated for adult social care. This is in line with government offers to adult social care authorities, allowing them to levy an additional 'precept' on Council Tax without requiring a referendum. This measure aims to assist local authorities in meeting their expenditure on adult social care, a critical and often high-demand service.
The Importance of Procurement for DCC
Procurement is a cornerstone of Devon County Council's operational efficiency. To fulfil its diverse responsibilities, the council procures a vast array of goods, services, and works from external suppliers. The overarching objective of this procurement activity is to secure the best possible value for money for the taxpayers of Devon. This commitment is not merely about cost-saving; it's about ensuring that public funds are used effectively and efficiently to deliver high-quality services.
Procurement acts as a significant driver for identifying and realising cost efficiencies across the council's operations. With an estimated annual procurement spend of approximately £460 million, even marginal improvements in value for money can yield substantial savings. DCC's procurement strategy is therefore focused on achieving optimal outcomes, balancing cost, quality, and sustainability.
Beyond internal efficiencies, DCC's procurement function actively engages with local business support organisations and public sector business units. This collaboration aims to enhance business opportunities for local enterprises, particularly Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and third-sector organisations. By providing support and guidance on the tender process, DCC endeavours to empower these businesses to submit competitive and high-quality proposals, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic local economy.
Financial Strategy and Sustainability
Devon County Council is navigating a period of considerable financial challenge. The council's Medium Term Financial Plan for 2025/26 is predicated on delivering services within the existing two-tier local government structure for Devon. While the government's December 2024 White Paper on Devolution introduced considerations for potential local government reorganisation, DCC's current financial planning does not make presumptions about its impact. The council's strategic approach to these challenges involves a steadfast focus on becoming stronger and more financially sustainable. This is being achieved through:
- Achieving demonstrable value for money and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
- Supporting and empowering its staff to deliver the best possible outcomes for the residents of Devon.
- Improving the effectiveness and transparency of decision-making and governance arrangements.
The council's gross expenditure for 2025/26 is projected to be just under £1,987 million, a slight increase from the previous year's £1,837 million. Income from government grants, business rates, fees, charges, and previous year's Council Tax surpluses accounts for the majority of this expenditure. The council tax requirement for 2025/26 stands at £572.489 million, up from £523.974 million in 2024/25. Further details on these spending plans are available through DCC's Budgets publications.
Staying Informed and Getting in Touch
For businesses seeking to understand DCC's procurement activities and past tender awards, the www.devontenders.gov.uk website is an essential resource. Additionally, for general inquiries about procurement, the Devon Procurement Services team can be contacted:
Devon Procurement Services
County Hall
Topsham Road
Exeter
EX2 4QD
Phone: 01392 383000
Email: [email protected]
By providing clear pathways for business engagement and transparent information regarding Council Tax, Devon County Council aims to foster strong relationships with both its commercial partners and the residents it serves, ensuring the continued delivery of vital public services.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply for a tender with Devon County Council?
- Visit www.devontenders.gov.uk for information on applying for tenders and to view previous awards.
- Who collects my Council Tax in Devon?
- Your Council Tax is collected by your local district or city council, who then distribute the funds to various authorities, including Devon County Council.
- What services does Devon County Council fund with Council Tax?
- DCC uses Council Tax to provide education, roads, adult and children's social care, libraries, youth services, and waste disposal services.
- How can I find out about previous contracts awarded by DCC?
- Results of previous tenders can be viewed on the www.devontenders.gov.uk website.
- What is the adult social care precept?
- This is an additional charge on Council Tax allowed to adult social care authorities to help fund their social care services, without the need for a referendum.
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