Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 6th July 2022) below:
Housing
I welcome the launch of a new call for evidence on the issues presented by the rise in short-term and holiday letting.
Whilst this growth has brought wider choice for visitors, it has also prompted a range of concerns, especially about the impact on our local housing market when properties are converted from long-term family homes to short term holiday lets. This makes it harder for many key workers to find a home at rent which is affordable for them. In addition, many established tourism businesses often highlight how they are required to comply with a range of regulations, including planning, safety and licensing, which these competitors do not. These regulations often having been introduced following incidents in the past no-one would wish to see repeated.
An appropriate level of short-term lets is positive for our tourism sector, helping attract visitors to our bay, yet if the workers it needs cannot find a place to live this will badly damage it. Many other countries and cities have introduced measures in recent years to address some of these concerns, we should do likewise.
Unauthorised Encampments
Summer sees many visitors head to our bay, but can also see some of our bay’s greenspaces abused by those setting up unauthorised encampments for a free holiday.
Often those doing this gamed the legal process by arriving on the last day before a Bank Holiday, then leaving just ahead of an eviction notice being enforced.
Last week new laws came into effect given the Police additional powers to move on those setting up encampments and not moving on when requested. They also increased the time in which someone cannot return to 12 months, to prevent a group returning later in the season.
Whilst these laws were controversial at Westminster, few in the bay would argue the previous situation was acceptable with places like Paignton Green often being abused as a free campsite. I therefore supported these changes and am pleased to see them come into effect.
Dame Deborah
Having lost my Mum to Bowel Cancer in 2014 it was inspiring to see how Dame Deborah James faced her own diagnosis with courage, resilience and even humour.
Over the last 6 years she has helped change the conversation about cancer and raised millions of pounds to fund vital research. Her final public message urged people to “check your poo – it could just save your life”, with a tenfold increase in people checking bowel cancer symptoms online at NHS.UK immediately after the news of her death. Her bravery not only inspired our nation, it is saving lives.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Saturday 16th July 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library and Information Centre, Great Western Rd, Paignton TQ4 5AG and Friday 29th July 10am till 12noon at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD.
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.
