Exeter

Introduction

Exeter is a cathedral city and the county town of Devon, and is situated on the River Exe inland from the south coast of the region. Exeter is a district authority of Devon County; however, it is currently bidding for unitary authority status. The major area of the authority is urban, making Exeter the eighth largest urban area in the South West.

Exeter is at the southern end of the M5, and, as such, is the gateway to the further South West peninsular via the A30 and A38. Traffic from the east is mostly via the A30/A303. Exeter is similarly well served and a central point for the rail network. Exeter International Airport, situated just outside the district boundary to the east, is the region’s second busiest airport.

With both city and county councils situated in Exeter, public administration is a major employer. There is also a large civil service presence in the city, including the headquarters of the Meteorological Office. The University of Exeter has two campuses in the city, and the University of Plymouth also has a site here.

Recent Visits

On 14 May 2008, Ben Bradshaw, Regional Minister for the South West, attended the regional consultation launch event for the Sub-national Review of Economic Development and Regeneration (SNR)

Demographics for Exeter

Mid-2006 Population Estimates

Figures updated annually. Last update August 2007. Source: Office for National Statistics.

Children and Learners

• a £79m Private Finance Initiative (PFI) project was completed in summer 2006, to remodel one primary school, replace five high schools and expand and remodel two other high schools
• Devon and its schools have capital allocation of £43.2m for 2007-08, which will rise to £50.9m in 2010-11. Allocations for the three years 2008-09 to 2010-11, including ICT and the new primary programme, will amount in total to £134.3m

Health and Well Being

The Royal Devon & Exeter Healthcare Trust was granted NHS Foundation Trust status in April 2004.

Crime

• Exeter has been named as one of 40 priority Respect Action Areas in England, for being a council who has a strong record in tackling anti-social behaviour. The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) is also backing the scheme with £6m of funding in 2007-08 for parenting classes in the 40 areas
• Exeter is part of the ‘New Devon’ Local Area Agreement (LAA) pilot area, which was allocated over £1m of Home Office funding in 2005-06 to support initiatives aimed at reducing crime, anti-social behaviour and substance misuse
• just over £600,000 has been allocated towards preventative measures against shoplifting and theft from premises, including the cost of CCTV in Exeter's city centre and hospitals, and towards a control room and enhanced cell cameras; and improving security for small retailers in deprived areas
• almost £13,000 was awarded to Exeter Retail Crime Scheme, in Fore Street, from the Government’s Small Retailers in Deprived Areas Round 3 scheme

Transport

• £8.1m has been awarded to Devon County Council in 2007-08 for the integrated transport block and £25m for maintenance over the same period, as part of the Local Transport Plan funding settlement
• £1.5m was awarded from the DEpartment for Transport (DfT) funded, Cycling England. Exeter is one of six towns in the pilot to introduce measures particularly targeting young people to generate a shift in travel culture promoting cycling for healthier lifestyle and reducing congestion. It will receive £500,000 annually for three years to March 2008

Regeneration

• under the Sure Start Scheme, two programmes in Beacon Heath and Whipton received around £750,000 in annual funding each, and £750,000 as a one-off payment for capital build. The scheme works with families in disadvantaged areas to promote the physical, intellectual and social development of young children
• £290,000 from the Single Regeneration Budget for Exeter's HOPE project to help young people
• £1.5m to Valley Regeneration, a programme of social, environmental and community projects designed to improve education, employment and business opportunities for local people in the deprived area of Wonford

European Funding

• just over £990,000 has been awarded from the European Social Fund to the Ambios Kingfisher project. They provide a unique framework for beneficiaries to achieve environmental sector vocational qualifications, including National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and other practical competencies either within the work place alongside context specific computer qualifications and employability skills or to a more ‘pick-and-mix’ formula. Computer technologies support a framework that has a proven track record leading to employment
• almost £165,000 was awarded to Devon County Council’s Axcess Employment Service project, unique in providing a service and clear direction for people with learning disabilities in their search for employment. The project works in partnership and networking in a multi-agency setting to promote equal opportunities, inclusion and disability awareness within the community