I HOPE everyone had a great Christmas.

Now I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year, your health is everything.

This coming year will be particularly difficult and challenging, we have had austerity, but this coming year, with inflation so high, 10per cent plus, and our intention not to increase Council Tax beyond 2 per cent/2.5 per cent while still maintaining front line services, will be extremely difficult.

We can rely on our Officers and Cabinet to find a way, we must support them.

Having said all that, Mid Devon is still a great place to live.

It has been a difficult year for me, with my family issues, but I am privileged to be your Chairman.

All the best,  Ray.

Cllr Ray Radford

Chairman

Mid Devon District Council