Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition below:
A Home Of Your Own
One of the biggest subjects being debated at Westminster is how to tackle the problems with our housing market.
A whole generation is struggling to get on the housing ladder as house prices have risen to many times their income, with deposit requirements also being much higher than in the recent past. My Dad and I both bought our homes at the average age for a first-time buyer when we did so. The crucial difference is he did it at 25, I was 36.
Many under 40 are just giving up on the aspiration of ever owning their own home, something we must change. The most crucial part of tackling this problem will be getting more homes built, but we also need to ensure there are ways hardworking local people looking to buy can be helped onto the housing ladder.
I recently meet with the Chief Executive of Rent Plus, a Plymouth based group looking to help those on the housing list purchase a home. They are looking to invest in Torbay and their scheme sees those who pay an affordable rent given the option to purchase every 5 years, with their 10% deposit paid.
Fixing the problems in our housing market will not be done quickly, yet it is a challenge we cannot avoid.
Town Centre Network
Torquay Town Centre has been in the news a lot this summer and sadly not for the most positive of reasons.
Yet there was a positive and constructive spirit at the latest meeting of the Town Centre Networking Group at Dot’s Pantry in Union St on Friday. The group is an informal one aimed at bringing together those with an interest in the Town Centre and dealing with its issues, not just complaining about them.
Whilst the current focus is dealing with anti-social behaviour issues the goal is to create a forum where more positive aspects of improving the town centre, such as events, can be discussed.
If you are a retailer or business owner in the Town Centre (including nearby areas like Lucius St) who would like to get involved just email me at [email protected] so you can be added to the mailing list for the group.
GP Cover
One issue too many residents experience is delays with getting an appointment at their Doctor’s Surgery.
There are several factors making it harder to recruit GPs (particularly new partners) into local practices, but one not visible to patients is the rising cost of medical indemnity insurance. The BMA estimate the cost of this vital insurance rose by 50% between 2010 and 2016, deterring Doctors from staying in General Practice.
Given it is impossible for a GP to practice without this insurance in place the Government is right to look at whether a state backed system for this indemnity should be put in place. GPs have no choice but to pay rising fees in this market, hence why the Government intervening to limit this costs for NHS related work makes sense.
Park Life
My role sees me asked to comment on a range of issues, but the most surprising one recently was whether 8 & 9 year olds should be able to play Rugby in a park.
Paignton Rugby Club contacted Torbay Council earlier this year to discuss its growing need for extra youth facilities. The council offered nearby Torbay Park to create two pitches, which the club pays a small fee to use. The grounds are smaller than normal and do not include goalposts as no kicks are allowed in under 10s Rugby. The club is only able to use them once a week on Sunday Mornings.
Torbay Council should have taken steps to advise residents, local Councillors and surrounding businesses of the new pitches to avoid a surprise when the lines were painted. Yet I cannot see any genuine problem likely to be caused by small groups of young children playing in a park, beyond what comes from it being a public park anyway!!!
A sensible conversation between the Council, Club and residents should resolve any legitimate queries about games.
Traditions
I sometimes think parliament is the bastion of ancient traditions and legal practice, yet one organisation exceeds it, the Church of England.
On Sunday one example took place as Revd John Beckett was formally made Rector of St Matthias and admitted to “the cure of souls in the benefice”.
John has been an asset to the bay since joining St Matthias and it was a pleasure to witness him taking part in this ancient tradition.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 21st October 11am till 1pm at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT and Friday 27th October 3pm till 5pm at Preston Baptist Church, Old Torquay Road, Paignton, TQ3 2RB.
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