Every fortnight Kevin writes a “Kev’s Column” for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 3rd October 2018) below:
More Councillors Needed?
It could not have been closer as the Chairman of Torbay Council’s Casting vote settled a tied vote on whether to explore setting up Town Councils in Paignton and Torquay.
The two towns last had separate Councils back in the 1960’s prior to their amalgamation with Brixham to form the modern Borough of Torbay, which became a Unitary Council in 1998. Brixham already has a Town Council following a community campaign which saw one established. The two proposed Town Councils would, if formed, sit alongside not replace Torbay Council.
Whilst some may like the idea of separate Town Councils, few would look at the issues affecting our bay and think the best solution would be to employ some more Councillors. The biggest negative of the current suggestion is it seems based on the idea Town Councils can impose a large precept on Council Tax, an additional charge for those living under it, so this structure could be used to generate more tax revenue for the services Torbay Council currently provides by avoiding limits on increases.
A genuine community request for a Town Council to represent local views might be worth looking at, a plan to use them as a ruse to shove up Council Tax Bills is not.
Police Merger
A plan to merge Devon & Cornwall Police with Dorset Police has been put on hold after our local Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez indicated she was minded to oppose it.
Whilst I am not opposed in principal to a merger of the two forces, any change must specify what benefits it will bring for Torbay and how it will help tackle issues like anti-social behaviour in our Town Centres, not just how a larger rural force would be created.
The matter will now be discussed by the Police and Crime Panel for Devon & Cornwall, which is made up of local Councillors from the areas covered by the force, prior to Alison issuing her final decision. I spoke to Alison about her decision and made clear it is vital the business case for a merger is scrutinised, plus the benefits for Torbay made clear, if it is to proceed any further.
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning
The “World’s Biggest Coffee Morning” took place across our bay on Friday in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
I attended the events held at Gargan & Hart Estate Agents in Chelston and in Forest Road, Upton. Macmillan provide amazing support to many across our bay, so it was great to see so many helping to support them.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 6th October from 11am till 1pm at The Acorn Centre, Lummaton Cross, Torquay TQ2 8ET and Friday 12th October from 3pm till 5pm at Paignton Baptist Church, 43 Winner St, Paignton TQ3 3BJ.
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.