Every fortnight Kevin writes a Kev's Column for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 30th June 2022) below:
Kev’s Column:
Housing
Our bay’s housing market was recently highlighted by a national newspaper who listed Brixham 6th and Torquay 12th in a list of 20 second home hotspots.
Demand for property in our bay grew during the pandemic as many decided working from home presented an opportunity to live in a beautiful coastal area. In addition, some landlords have converted long-term rental properties into temporary holiday lets, whilst some have specifically bought properties for this purpose. Whilst a level of such business supports our tourism sector, the drive towards it has created challenges for those looking for their first, not second home.
Ensuring affordable homes are available for key workers and local families must be a priority. Anthony Mangnall and I successfully campaigned for an end to a bizarre loophole which allows second homeowners to avoid paying Council Tax by declaring their properties as a holiday business, without actively marketing or renting it for such a purpose.
Now there is a need to go further in ensuring affordable homes for rent are available and helping those families in our bay who regularly pay a rent of a similar amount to what a monthly mortgage payment would be for their home, often unable to buy due to the level of deposit required. No-one wants a return to the easy-to-get mortgages which caused the crash in 2008, but the pendulum has swung too far the other way for many first-time buyers, especially those who cannot call on the Bank of Mum & Dad for help.
The need for a decent home is one we all share, with most wanting the long-term stability owning their house brings. Building new homes, especially on derelict sites, will be part of delivering this, as will reform of the mortgage market and preventing short-term lets becoming too dominant in some areas.
Inspiration
The Torbay Weekly’s moto is “Naturally Inspiring” and Torquay scientist Peter Scott-Morgan truly was, hence I was sorry to read of his death.
Meeting Peter was always an inspirational experience, he showed how even in the face of the greatest challenge there was always hope. Faced with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Peter turned all his experience as a scientist into researching ways to use robotics to counter its effects. He would vividly describe a new surgical procedure he had devised, which he then became the first person to receive.
Peter’s legacy is a greater understanding of how robotics can assist those facing disability, paving the way for future researchers to build on his work and help those facing MND in future to thrive, not just survive.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 1st July 10am till 12pm at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT and Saturday 16th July 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library and Information Centre, Great Western Rd, Paignton TQ4 5AG.
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, such as housing or welfare, 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.
