Every fortnight I write a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 22nd September 2022) below:
Her Majesty
The last two weeks saw not just a new Prime Minister, but the end of an era for our nation as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away.
The Queen’s 70-year reign was not just extraordinary in its length, but in the depth of commitment to public service and our nation she showed throughout. To the very end she fulfilled the pledge she made in 1947 to devote her whole life to public service, appointing Liz Truss as Prime Minister just 2 days before her death. Her first Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, was born in 1874, her last in 1975.
During dramatically changing times for our economy, technology, society and politics the Queen was a constant throughout. Epitomising the tradition of constitutional monarchy which underpins our system of Government, yet also adapting to the new age by ditching outdated practices and making the Royal walkabout a firm part of any tour. She was there in times of joy and those of sadness, with her speech in April 2020 as lockdown started helping many face the challenges to come, whilst looking forward with hope.
There have been many tributes, memorial services and elaborate ceremonies of state to pay tribute to her long life, including a State Funeral which saw the whole world come together in paying tribute to a remarkable woman of our times. Yet it is perhaps the simple words said by Paddington Bear following the quirky, humourous and heart-warming video filmed as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations which best express our thoughts: “Thank You Ma’am for everything”.
Energy Costs
The last few weeks have seen many receive worrying news from their energy supplier, including businesses where a fixed term deal is coming to an end.
A package worth up to £1,200 of support for low-income households was announced earlier this year, yet more is needed to prevent many local businesses and families bearing the brunt of the energy price shock caused by Putin’s attack on Ukraine. The new Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will apply to households from 1 October, when Ofgem’s new price cap is due to come into effect and will discount the unit cost for gas and electricity use. The Government will also support businesses (including Care Homes), charities and public sector organisations with their energy costs this winter, by offering them an equivalent guarantee for six months.
Over recent months I have been highlighting to ministerial colleagues the issues facing our bay and the need for increased support, so I look forward to the further details the Chancellor will outline in his statement to parliament tomorrow (Friday 23rd September).
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 7th October 10am till 12Noon at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Saturday 15th October 11am till 1pm at Preston Baptist Church, 62 Old Torquay Rd, 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, rather than a wider policy debate. There are also drop-in sessions at my office 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday where a member of my team will be available to help with any queries.
