Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 28th April 2021) below:
Funding
As we exit lockdown, funding bids for projects which can support the economic regeneration of Torbay through the Government’s Community Renewal Fund are being sought.
Our bay can seek approval for up to £3m of projects to be completed over the next year. The fund seeks to support people and communities most in need across the UK, creating opportunities to trial new approaches and innovative ideas at a local level. Local priorities include, tackling inequality, raising skill levels and creating greater resilience in the local economy.
The last year has seen large amounts of funding from the Government to help restart our bay’s economy including the £21.9m Torquay Town Deal and the £13.5m Future High Streets Fund project for Paignton Town Centre, plus the new stations fund money for Edginswell. This financial support is welcome and will make a difference, but there is still more we can do to ensure our bay reaches its potential over the years to come.
Fans 1 – ESL 0
It was a clear win for football fans after 12 of the biggest football clubs scored a spectacular own goal.
The proposed European Super League (ESL) would have seen the 12 teams compete against each other, with no prospect of relegation from or of anyone else being promoted to it. The Government made clear it would not accept the structure of the national game being undermined in this way and the 6 English clubs have now withdrawn their participation.
In response to the proposal being announced the Government has set up a fan-led review, which will look at everything the government can do to support all football clubs across the country. This will range from governance reform to competition laws and the mechanisms which allow football to take place. The ESL is not the only issue in recent years to raise concerns about whether the current structure of regulating the game is fit for purpose.
The Torquay United Supporters Trust has put in to be one of the fan groups to take part in this review and I was delighted to write in support of their bid.
Australia Deal
On Sunday ANZAC Day was marked across the world, a poignant reminder of the times when Australian forces stood alongside ours.
It was therefore apt to hear a few days beforehand most of a potential free trade deal between our two nations has been agreed, with a period of focused negotiations now being started to resolve the outstanding issues. The aim is to seal a final deal by June.
As digital technology transforms how we do business, there are many shared opportunities for our two nations, alongside the shared challenge of an increasingly powerful China. Hence this potential deal is one we should all welcome.
Surgery Times
Following the easing of lockdown rules, I have restarted face to face advice surgeries, but telephone appointments can still be arranged if preferred. Sadly, my surgeries must remain by appointment only at this stage.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989. You can also drop into my office at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday, please note you may have to wait outside if others attend at the same time.
