2. What does Exeter City Council and its councillors do?
Exeter City Council has 39 councillors, representing the 13 wards of the city. Councillors, or members of the council, normally serve a term of four years. One third of the councillors (13 members) stand for election each year for three years. In the fourth year, elections for Devon County Council take place and there are no city council elections.
Councils are responsible for a range of vital services for people and businesses. Here are some of the services that Exeter City Council provides:
- Housing
- Leisure and culture
- Licensing
- Refuse, recycling, and street cleaning
- City Development
- Community grants
- Parks, playgrounds, and open spaces
- Climate and environment
Councillors:
- Represent residents: Act as a voice for people in their ward, raising local issues and concerns within the council
- Shape local policies: Contribute to the development and review of council policies, budgets, and plans that affect Exeter
- Support the community: Contribute to the development and review of council policies, budgets, and plans that affect Exeter
- Attend meetings: Take part in full council and committee meetings, helping to make decisions on city policies and services
- Support the community: Work with local groups, charities, and organisations to promote community wellbeing and tackle local challenges
- Handle enquiries: Respond to questions and casework from residents, helping resolve problems and directing people to the right services
- Uphold standards: Follow the council’s Code of Conduct, acting with integrity and transparency
- Represent the council externally: Serve on outside bodies and partnerships, building links between the council and other organisations