We are a progressive Council committed to creating an environment where people can flourish and to providing quality services to those who live and work in the district. of Devon.\r\n\r\nThe Council has an Executive structure, with a 'Cabinet' (formerly known as the 'Executive'). The advantages of this system include:\r\n\r\n- increased efficiency - decisions are taken more quickly, responsibly and accurately to meet the needs and \r\n aspirations of the community \r\n- greater transparency - it is clear to people who is responsible for what \r\n- more accountability - people can measure the actions taken against the policies and plans on which those \r\n responsible were elected to office, and people can identify with a stronger, more focused leadership \r\n- less time spent in committee meetings - giving Councillors more time to represent their communities and to \r\n forge closer links with partner organisations.\r\n\r\nThe Council's overall net annual budget (not including council housing and capital expenditure) is about £10million. Income is from a combination of council tax, central government grant and revenue earned from providing services (for example, collecting trade waste and car parking). We have a legal duty to set a balanced budget and not to spend more money than we bring in.