Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on 14th September 2021) below.
Staycation
With uncertainty about international travel still common, many made the decision to have a staycation instead, prompting a welcome surge in business for our bay’s tourism industry.
Predictions this summer would be the busiest for decades in our bay were being made well before lockdown started to be eased, given strong numbers of advance bookings and a sense people would look to enjoy a party when they were finally allowed to.
These predictions appear to have been spot on, with many businesses reporting a bumper season (Not only those directly involved in tourism) and indications 70% of visitors over recent months were “first timers” to South Devon.
We must now ensure a generation for whom holidays automatically meant going abroad, rediscover the many benefits of a holiday which does not start and end at a busy airport.
Social Care
Over recent decades previous attempts at reforming social care funding have followed a familiar pattern, the Government of the day announces something, it is opposed without any real alternative being offered, the Government backs down and nothing changes. Yet after the last year when the value of our social care services and the pressure on them has been unprecedented simply kicking the can on this issue is no longer an option.
Unlike the NHS social care is not free at point of need, but based on a means test, with those affected having to pay for all their care if their assets are above £23,250. A decade ago it was estimated 1 in 10 people might pay more than £100,000 towards their care in later life. Yet despite these significant costs the care sector too often sees workers receiving low wages, a result of not resolving the issues with long term funding.
No-one wants to raise taxes, but the last 18 months have seen a situation which could not have been predicted back in late 2019. We could pretend there is no need to make a change, opting to kick the can as has happened so many times before on social care funding, but after the pressures on the care system of the last year this is not a realistic option. The new levy will be proportionate to income, with the highest 14% of earners expected to pay 50% of revenue raised under it, it will also be paid on dividend income, but not state or private pension income
I therefore supported the changes proposed as we desperately need to have a system of funding which means those who have worked and saved do not lose everything due to needing care, and those caring for them receive a fair package for doing so.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on Saturday 18th September, 11:00am till 1:00pm at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, TQ1 3DT and Friday 24th September, 3pm till 5pm at The Windmill Centre, Pendennis Rd, Torquay TQ2 7QR. Sadly, my surgeries must remain appointment only at this stage given the prevailing public health guidance.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989. You can also drop into my office at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday, please note you may have to wait outside if others attend at the same time
