Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 25th October 2023) below:
Regeneration
After the delays of the last 3 years, it is right the now Conservative Administration of Torbay Council is focused on getting schemes underway in both Paignton and Torquay Town Centres, with it set to agree a major new partnership with a household name to deliver them.
Taking this approach is a change to the position the then Coalition Administration of Torbay Council took prior to May, yet it is the right one. It also sees the Government’s grant funds used to leverage in private investment, as was originally intended.
One point worth noting, is the partner (Who will be named in due course) will invest their own cash, in addition to the money awarded by Government. This will increase the amount available for investment in changing our town centres, rather than decrease it, as implied by suggestions it is about simply paying the partner to deliver the planned schemes.
Defibrillators
Defibrillators are a vital piece of life saving equipment and it has been great to see more and more places across our bay hosting them.
Several churches and community groups are currently fund raising to buy further defibrillators for their buildings, with the hope there will soon be a network across our bay ensuring one is always nearby if needed. Yet one point many may not realise is defibrillators currently have a 20% VAT Rate applied to them, mostly due to them not having been invented when the majority of the current zero ratings were decided upon in the early 1970s.
Given the obvious benefits for the NHS and wider community of more being available, I joined a Cross-Party campaign this week calling on the Chancellor to scrap the VAT on Defibrillators.
Wind Energy
I have been working with a group of colleagues to allow new onshore wind in England where local communities agree.
A debate on a Lords Amendment relating to planning for them, gave a chance to push the Government further on the type of benefits which may be offered to communities which agree. The system in Wales allows householders to be offered direct discounts on their energy bills.
In response to our queries the Minister confirmed this would be the intention, as part of a package of measures on community benefits due shortly. She stated: “There are very successful schemes across the country already that deliver discounts on energy bills of up to £300 a year, and we see great potential to go a lot further.”
This is very welcome as it means the changes not only open the door to more clean energy, but the potential for direct benefits for those living in communities where new wind turbines are installed.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 27th October 3pm till 5pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Saturday 4th November 10am till 12noon at St Martin’s Church, Barton Hill Road, Torquay, TQ2 8JA.
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. There are also drop-in sessions from 10am till 1pm, Monday to Friday at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD where a member of my team is available to assist residents with urgent queries.
