The Silent Crisis in East Devon: When the Money Dries Up
There’s a quiet crisis brewing in East Devon, and it’s one that doesn’t make headlines the way a political scandal or a natural disaster might. But personally, I think it’s just as significant—if not more so. For the first time in half a century, East Devon District Council will receive zero funding from the central government to support business growth. Zero. Let that sink in. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about the lifeblood of a community.
The End of an Era
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which replaced EU funding, has been a cornerstone for economic development in regions like East Devon. But now, it’s gone, replaced by the Local Growth Fund and the Pride in Place Programme, both of which seem to favor mayoral city regions and the most deprived neighborhoods. East Devon doesn’t fit neatly into either category, and that’s a problem. What this really suggests is that rural areas like East Devon are being left behind in the race for economic survival.
From my perspective, this shift isn’t just about funding—it’s about priorities. The government’s focus on urban centers and deprivation metrics ignores the unique challenges faced by rural economies. High streets in East Devon are already struggling, and without financial support, they’re likely to deteriorate further. This raises a deeper question: Are we willing to sacrifice the economic health of rural areas for the sake of urban growth?
The Human Cost of Budget Cuts
One thing that immediately stands out is the human cost of these cuts. East Devon’s economic development manager, Tom Winters, noted that the council will shift from being a funder to an enabler. While this sounds like a positive spin, it’s hard not to see it as a downgrade. Enabling is important, but without financial backing, it’s like trying to build a house with only a blueprint and no materials.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how quickly the funding dried up. Just a year ago, East Devon secured over £1.14 million in UKSPF funding and an additional £640,000 from the Rural England Prosperity Fund. Now, it’s zero. This isn’t just a gradual decline—it’s a cliff edge. And the impact will be felt across the board, from small businesses to local employment opportunities.
A New Strategy, But Will It Work?
East Devon’s response has been to pivot its economic development strategy. The council is now focusing on traditional economic development work, such as engaging with town centers and the commercial property market. While this is a pragmatic move, I can’t help but wonder if it’s enough. If you take a step back and think about it, the council is essentially being asked to do more with less.
Councillor Paul Hayward’s comments are telling. He acknowledges the challenges but remains optimistic, praising the economy team for their efforts. Yet, his admission that “all high streets are suffering” underscores the scale of the problem. In my opinion, optimism alone won’t save East Devon’s economy. What’s needed is a fundamental rethink of how we support rural regions in an increasingly urban-centric world.
The Broader Implications
This situation in East Devon isn’t an isolated incident. It’s part of a larger trend of rural areas being overlooked in favor of urban centers. The government’s new funding programs, while well-intentioned, seem to operate under the assumption that deprivation is solely an urban issue. What many people don’t realize is that rural deprivation often looks different—it’s about lack of access, limited opportunities, and a shrinking economic base.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how this shift reflects broader societal changes. As retail habits evolve and online shopping becomes the norm, high streets everywhere are struggling. But in rural areas, where options are already limited, the impact is magnified. This isn’t just about East Devon—it’s about the future of rural communities across the UK.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for East Devon?
The council’s decision to refocus its efforts is a necessary step, but it’s also a gamble. Without funding, their ability to drive meaningful change is limited. Personally, I think this is a wake-up call for both local and national leaders. Rural economies need targeted support, not just lip service.
If there’s one takeaway from this, it’s that economic development isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor. What works for a mayoral city region won’t necessarily work for a rural district like East Devon. As we move forward, we need to rethink how we allocate resources and prioritize communities. Otherwise, places like East Devon will continue to fall through the cracks.
In the end, this isn’t just a story about funding—it’s a story about choices. And the choices we make today will shape the future of rural Britain for generations to come.
