Research & Policy
Because of half a century of work with Devon’s communities, the Community Council is well placed to undertake research. This can be on our own initiative or under contract to other organisations. At times we have partnered with other organisations such as Universities or our sister Rural Community Councils, or other voluntary bodies.
Recent examples of research work
Rural Deprivation
Rural Devon is substantially more deprived based on the location of deprived people than on the location of deprived areas.
This is the key finding from the Rural Share of Deprivation in Devon research, commissioned by the South West ACRE Network (SWAN), undertaken by the Oxford Consultants for Social Inclusion (OCSI), and promoted in Devon by CCD.
Download a copy of the Executive Summary of this research here.
The Executive Summary only contains a fraction of the full data available to partners. Data and reports are available at the following levels across the South West:
England-wide
South West Region
Principle Local Authority / Unitary Authority
District Council
Settlement, population greater than 300 (not for workplace/resident population)
The Information is available for:
‘Rural share’ and ‘rural rate’ of deprivation across a wide range of indicators (including those highlighted in the Executive Summary)
Workplace and resident populations in rural areas (not available for settlements).
For details on how to access these reports please contact us info@devonrcc.org.uk.
Devon’s community buildings
Why Community Buildings Matter
CCD has undertaken the first comprehensive research for 10 years into Devon’s village halls. This research set out to investigate and report on the use, impact, and potential of multi-use community buildings across rural Devon. It assesses the financial, environmental, and social issues that they face. It updates information on the condition of community buildings available to rural communities, and learns more about their current and potential uses.
The summary report was published in April 2008– you can find it here.
Some key findings:
• Total asset (insurance rebuild) value is £160 million (this excludes land value)
• Total income raised by halls last year was £7.3 million
• 335,000 volunteer hours keep our halls going. This is valued at over £5 million
• 2,000 tonnes of CO2 saved last year through saved journeys to more remote venues
• 17% have already conducted an energy audit and 34% are interested in doing so
For more information download the 'Village Halls are Taking the Strain' press release here.
You can see the ‘Why Community Buildings Matter’ report in full here.
Transnational work with Wageningen University (Holland)
The Community Council of Devon) has worked with Wageningen University in Holland since 2003. Each June we arrange hosts in rural Devon for a residential research programme.
Students from Holland undertake local research as part of their second year university course in International Development Studies. They are encouraged to participate in both family and village/community life.
Initiated by the late Professor Jaap Frouws, in recent years the programme has been managed by Professor Sarah Southwold-Llewellyn from Wageningen University. Research is conducted on social issues that can be explored using qualitative sociological methods. The Community Council also assists with the programme by suggesting areas for local research.
The reports are confidential and are not published, though they prove valuable for internal staff use.
Rural Housing data sheets
A number of Housing Reports assessing local housing need have been carried out for Parishes in Devon. The most recent are listed below. These reports are the intellectual property of the Devon Rural Housing Partnership. A fee will be charged to any organisation using these documents to support a development. To request a report please click here. A Guide for Parish Councils who wish to develop an affordable housing scheme for local people is available to download here.
East Devon: All Saints (2009-10), Awliscombe (2010-11), Axmouth (2010-11), Aylesbeare (2008-9), Bishops Clyst (2010-11), Branscombe (2009-10), Broadclyst (2010-11), Clyst Honiton (2008-9), Clyst St George (2010-11), Dalwood (2009-10), Farringdon (2010-11), Rockbeare (2008-9), Talaton (2008-9), Uplyme (2009-10), Whimple (2008-9), Woodbury (2008-9)
Mid Devon: Bradninch (2008-9), Cadbury (2010-11), Clayhidon (2010-11), Culmstock (2009-10), Halberton (2010-11), Hemyock (2010-11), Kentisbeare (2009-10), Newton St Cyres (2010-11), Sandford (2010-11), Thorverton (2010-11)
North Devon: Landkey (2008-9)
South Hams: Bigbury (2010-11), Blackawton (2008-9), Churchstow (2010-11), Dartington (2008-9), Diptford (2009-10), Halwell and Moreleigh (2010-11), Newton and Noss (2008-9), North Huish (2009-10), Salcombe (2009-10), South Brent (2008-9), Staverton (2008-9), Strete (2009-10), Ugborough (2009-10), Yealmpton (2008-9)
Teignbridge: Abbottskerswell (2009-10), Ashburton (2009-10), Bickington (2008-9), Broadhempston (2008-9), Buckfastleigh (2009-10), Christow (2009-10), Dunsford (2010-11), Holcombe Burnell (2009-10), Ilsington (2008-9), Ipplepen (2010-11), Kenton (2010-11), Moretonhampstead (2010-11), Widecombe (2010-11), Woodland (2008-9)
Torridge: Alwington (2009-10), Appledore (2008-9), Broadwoodwidger (2008-9), Buckland Filleigh (2010-11), Clawton (2008-9), Hartland (2008-9), Holsworthy (2010-11), Littleham and Landcross (2009-10), Milton Damerel (2009-10), Monkleigh (2010-11), Newton Poppleford (2010-11), Northcott (2008-9), Parkham (2010-11), Petersmarland (2010-11), Petrockstowe (2010-11), St Giles on the Heath (2008-9), Sutcombe (2008-9), Tetcott and Luffincott (2009-10), Virginstowe (2009-10), Welcombe (2008-9), Yarnscombe (2010-11)
West Devon: Brentor (2010-11), Broadwoodkelly (2009-10), Chagford (2010-11), Exbourne and Jacobstowe (2009-10), Horrabridge (2008-9), Iddesleigh (2009-10), Inwardleigh (2008-9), Monkoakhampton (2009-10), North Tawton (2010-11), Sampford Courtney (2009-10), South Tawton (2008-9)
Further information
Other research, toolkits and reports can be found on our publications page.
