Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 22nd November 2023) below:
Devolution
Devolution is coming to Devon, after a deal between the Government, Torbay Council and Devon County Council.
The deal includes £16m of new funding to support skills training and create new jobs. The announcement is part of a package of powers and funding being negotiated for transfer from Whitehall to local government in our county. The two Councils are also seeking greater local control and resources to tackle key challenges such as creating more affordable housing and improved public transport.
The Deal does not include an Elected Mayor for Devon and Torbay or involve holding separate elections. A Combined County Authority (CCA) will instead be created comprising councillors appointed to represent the councils of Devon and Torbay. It will also include representatives from business and education to provide a strong voice for these sectors.
Since Torbay became a Unitary Council in 1998 there has been a debate about whether this was the right move. This deal does not alter this or change Torbay Council’s responsibilities for items like social services, bin collections, planning or general highways decisions, nor does it prevent a future move towards a unitary structure for Devon which includes Torbay. What it does do is provide an ability for Devon and Torbay to work together on items such as public transport, economic development and housing, plus see powers devolved from Whitehall.
Devolution has made a difference elsewhere and it will in Devon.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer claims 12,000 lives a year across the UK and is the biggest cancer for which there is currently no screening programme. Therefore, the announcement of a major new prostate cancer screening trial is very welcome.
Backed by £42 million of funding from the Government and Prostate Cancer UK, the pilot will use innovative screening methods, such as MRI, to detect prostate cancer. Hundreds of thousands of men across the country will be invited to participate in the screening pilot, with invites likely to start being issued in Autumn 2024.
Every step we take closer to establishing a full screening programme, is a step closer to saving thousands of men’s lives each year.
Paignton Picture House
Those walking past Paignton Picture House may have noticed a surge in activity on site, with hoardings being erected, site offices being built, and staff wearing high vis jackets and hard hats.
Substantial revitalisation works on Paignton Picture House started last week. This phase is expected to run until the end of March 2024, all delivered thanks to funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.
It is great to see this work getting underway which will bringing this historic gem, which lay derelict for 20 years, back to life.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 24th November 3pm till 5pm at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT and Saturday 9th December 11am till 1pm at Preston Baptist Church, Old Torquay Road, Paignton TQ3 2RB.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989, surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with. There are also drop-in sessions from 10am till 1pm, Monday to Friday at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD where a member of my team is available to assist residents with urgent queries.
