Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition below:
Kev’s Column:
Supported Housing
Love it or loathe it Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), with all its heckling and robust debate, is the most high-profile session of the parliamentary week.
I have never been a great fan of the “punch and judy” politics this session often involves and my views have not changed since becoming an MP. When I get a chance to ask a question I use it to raise an issue, not score party-political points, hence my PMQs have focussed on matters affecting our bay.
Due to high demand most MPs only get to ask a PMQ about two or three times a year and my latest chance to ask the Prime Minister a question came last week. I decided to raise the issue of funding for Supported Housing in our area given an announcement was due from the government and the importance of these services to many vulnerable residents. Supported Housing includes refuges for those fleeing domestic violence, homeless shelters and accommodation for those with mental health needs.
In response the Prime Minister confirmed a suggested cap on housing benefit rates, linked to private sector rents, would not go ahead, welcome news given these services provide more than just a place to live for their residents.
SW Rail Debate
Since the collapse of the Dawlish Line in 2014 securing the future of our rail network has been a top priority for MPs across our region.
Labour MP Luke Pollard recently secured a debate in Parliament about the future of train services in the South West. This provided a further opportunity to stress the vital importance of work to secure the resilience of the coastal railway at Dawlish, plus investing in better connections within our region. I highlighted the need for elderly rolling stock to be replaced and pushed the case for a new station at Edginswell.
Despite the lack of investment over decades, our rail network is seeing increasing numbers of passengers and is a key part of our economy. Securing its future will require a united voice, not partisan bickering, hence I was happy to support Luke’s debate.
A303 Dualling
Rail improvements were not the only transport issue being discussed at Westminster this week.
The Government confirmed plans for the A303 to be dualled between Sparkford and Ilchester. This scheme will link with two other projects, including the proposed tunnel at Stonehenge, to complete the dualling of the A303 creating a second major route into our region.
Bottlenecks on the A303 affect business in our area who rely on it to get goods to key markets and ports\airports. They also deter visitors from heading west for a holiday. The dualling of this vital road for our area cannot come soon enough and it is time our region saw the level of investment these projects represent.
Brixham Express
Whilst our trains and roads may be on track for improvements, the Brixham Express Ferry conducted its final service last week.
The service was intended to provide a speedy link across the bay for commuters throughout the year, although was blamed for causing one operator to cease their service with questions about its viability from the start.
Given the service was supported by a grant administered by Torbay Council I have written to Ministers highlighting the ending of this service and asking what action is being taken to protect\recover the public funds involved.
Armed Forces Question on Census
The Royal British Legion has been campaigning for a question about military service to be included in the next Census.
The information gathered in the census is the basis for funding decisions from government and planning the provision of services. The desire is to get detailed information on where veterans live and ensure local services can be tailored to their needs.
The Office for National Statistics, which advises on the census, has now confirmed it will recommend the inclusion of this topic in the 2021 Census, ensuring the ex-service community is no longer invisible when they swap their uniform for civilian live.
Call For Evidence on Home Sales
If you recently bought your home or are involved in selling houses you might want to take part in a call for evidence launched last week.
The Government wants to hear from everyone with an interest in home buying including estate agents, solicitors and mortgage lenders. Ministers are looking to address issues across the whole sector including tackling gazumping, reducing time wasting and increasing commitment to a sale.
If interested please contact me on the details given below as it is vital the evidence supplied includes our area.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 4th November, 11am till 1pm at Chelston Manor, Old Mill Road, Torquay, TQ2 6HW and Wednesday 8th November 2pm till 4pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD.
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