Every fortnight Kevin writes a “Kev’s Column” for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition below:
Budget
The major event of the parliamentary week came on Wednesday when the Chancellor presented his Budget Statement to MPs.
For those wondering MPs are not given advance sight of the Budget, with even Cabinet Ministers not being told market sensitive information before the speech is given in parliament. This year’s “surprise” was an announcement on Stamp Duty being cancelled for first time buyers purchasing a property worth up to £300,000.
There is not enough space in this column to repeat every item or detail from the budget, yet headlines included a further increase in the amount you can earn before paying any Income Tax (Rising to £11,850 a year), Fuel Duty Frozen for the eighth consecutive year, extending the £1,000 discount for pubs (with a rateable value of less than £100,000) to March 2019 and keeping the VAT threshold for businesses at £85,000 a year.
There was also welcome news for the NHS with an additional £2.8 billion of funding to 2019-20, including £350 million for this winter and £1.6 billion next year. The Government will deliver an additional £10 billion in capital funding to upgrade NHS buildings and facilities. The Chancellor also committed to provide additional funding for agreed nurses’ pay rises so patient services are protected.
Overall the budget was a welcome one for our bay, yet a few people have queried why particular areas where listed in the Budget but not ours. The areas listed are (virtually all) those where a devolution deal is in place or being implemented. A reminder why Devon & Somerset’s Councils must get such a deal in place for our area as well.
Universal Credit Changes
Universal Credit, one of the biggest reforms of our welfare system in decades, is due to be rolled out to Torbay in May 2018.
I have spoken in parliament on several occasions about this scheme and what impact it may have here in the bay. Last week the Secretary of State confirmed a number of changes would be made in response to concerns expressed by many MPs and organisations working with those who rely on the support UC provides.
The key changes include: 1. The abolition of waiting days, reducing a claimant’s wait for their first payment by a week 2. As claimants on Housing Benefit transition to UC an additional two weeks of Housing Benefit will continue to be paid. 3. From January the maximum amount for new claim and benefit transfer advances will be increased to 100% of the total indicative amount.
These changes represent a £1.5bn package to address some of the concerns which have been raised.
Royal Marines
Rumours the Royal Marines may face further cuts and the Royal Navy’s two amphibious assault ships, HMS Albion & HMS Bulwark, might be axed have caused concern.
Many Herald readers will know of my family’s strong links to the “senior service”. My Grandfather served in the fleet for 25 years and my Father spent 37 years working in Devonport Dockyard. By coincidence his last major job being the 2009 refit of HMS Albion.
The two amphibious assault ships provide a unique capability for both combat and humanitarian aid missions. Whilst our two Aircraft Carriers will be able to provide support to amphibious ops, they do not have the key floating dock capability plus such high value assets should never be taken close to a hostile shore.
Last week a cross party group of MPs secured a debate on this issue. I spoke in the debate and joined those calling for a rethink of any plan to scrap this vital capability or to reduce the Royal Marines.
Bus Petition
Last week I presented a petition to parliament signed by hundreds of local residents calling for the reinstatement of the 32 service between Shiphay and The Willows.
The petition will be forwarded to the Government and Torbay Council for a response to be provided.
Coincidentally my train journey back to the bay had an added bonus, a senior manager from Stagecoach sat down opposite me. I suspect by the end of the journey he might have been wondering whether his choice of seat had been the best, given it gave me a whole three hours to discuss their decision to cut this service!
Post Office Protest
On Monday Torre residents, business owners and post office users gathered for a demonstration in support of their Post Office.
I joined them to send a message about how valued the Post Office is at the heart of the community. Plans should be made to keep it there.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 2nd December, 10am till 12noon at St Martin’s Church, Barton Hill Road, Torquay, TQ2 8JA and Friday 8th December 3pm till 5pm at Paignton Library, 22 Station Lane, Paignton TQ4 5AR.
Just call 01803 214 989 or e-mail me at [email protected] to book a slot. You can drop in, but appointments are recommended to avoid a long wait or disappointment. My team also run drop in surgery sessions Mon to Friday 10am -1pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD