Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read this week's edition below.
Kev’s Column:
Homes Fit For Humans
Friday sittings are my favourite part of the parliamentary calendar, with a range of issues being brought up by individual MPs via Private Member’s Bills.
I was in parliament on Friday to support three Private Member’s Bills. The first being Labour MP Karen Buck’s Bill seeking to give tenants new rights to ensure they have a decent home.
The law currently allows local councils to prosecute where a landlord fails to make improvements they have been instructed to undertake. Karen’s proposed new law would give tenants the opportunity to pursue a civil case against their landlord if a home is not fit for human habitation, by implying a clause into every lease requiring it to be.
The major national landlord associations have backed this change as they recognise tackling the small number of rogue operators helps their industry overall.
I was happy to give my support and the bill passed its key second reading stage.
Stalking Protection Bill
The second Private Member’s Bill was presented by my neighbour Dr Sarah Wollaston and sought to give the Police extra powers to protect victims of stalking.
Those who suffer from the attentions of a stalker can find it affects every aspect of their life as someone seeks to control them via harassment and unwanted attention. The law has been strengthened in recent years, but there are still gaps, particularly in terms of “stranger stalking” where the victim has had no previous relationship with the person stalking them.
The bill proposes giving the Police a power to seek an order from Magistrates to prevent such behaviour. This could include requirements to seek help for mental health issues where appropriate.
I was pleased to speak in support of this bill, which having received its Second Reading, will now be considered in detail by a Committee of MPs.
Holiday Meals Debate
The third Private Member’s Bill considered on Friday only got a very short amount of time, but covered the serious issue of how children who receive Free School Meals are supported during school holiday periods.
In opening the debate Labour MP Frank Field set out the challenge this issue presented, along with the opportunity to tackle this via holiday activity schemes where lunch (Based on the same concept as Free School Meals) could be provided.
In response the Minister outlined his plan to undertake research and pilot projects which could give a better idea about how such a system could work on a national basis. I quickly intervened on him to find out how these pilots would be selected and if they would be based on the areas covered by local councils. In response it was confirmed the research was intended to inform how the pilots should be conducted and the criteria used for selecting them.
I will be writing to the Minister suggesting Torbay should be a pilot area and will invite him here to see how such a scheme could be delivered.
Oldway Primary In Parliament
I was delighted to welcome visitors from Oldway Primary to Parliament for some questions about my work and a tour of the building.
Parliament's Education Suite (built about three years ago) not only provides classrooms, but an interactive experience for those coming to learn about parliament’s work. One pupil mentioned having seen the impact their local MP can have following my involvement with the campaign to overturn a bizarre council ban on young children playing Rugby in Torbay Park, Paignton.
I try to meet all school groups who visit Westminster so they can go onto the Terrace and visit the Member’s Cloakroom, the place I can (in theory) hang my sword, as these require an MP to be present. My hope is at least one will be inspired to be a future MP for our bay.
Police Precept Survey
Devon & Cornwall’s Police & Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, is asking residents for their view on proposals to increase the average Council Tax by £1 a month to fund more frontline policing.
In the recent Police Funding settlement the Government gave PCC’s the chance to raise their part of the Council Tax by up to £12 a year. This would allow Devon and Cornwall to raise a further £7m in revenue compared to a 2% rise.
My own view is an extra £1 a month would be worth it if the extra resources are clearly deployed into front line Policing dealing with issues like those in our Town Centres, yet do take the time to put your own view forward by completing the survey.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Friday 26th January 3pm till 5pm at Preston Baptist Church, Old Torquay Road, TQ3 2RB and Saturday 3rd February 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library, 22 Station Lane, 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.