Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 1st December 2022) below:
Tourism Debate
I secured a short debate in Parliament on the tourism sector in Devon and Cornwall.
Whilst our 2 counties may be bitterly divided over how to best eat a scone, with our friends across the Tamar sadly not recognising cream first is the correct way to do it, we are united in a shared interest in seeing our tourism sectors thrive.
Devon and Cornwall are the most popular destinations for domestic tourism, which means tourism is a key employer for our two counties. It represents 10% of all employment in Devon and 20% of employment in Cornwall, with many jobs in other sectors relying on the trade created by providing services to this vital sector.
During the debate I highlighted 4 challenges facing the tourism industry in our region: 1. Energy costs and rising prices. 2. Business Rates. 3. Conversion of Residential Properties to short-term holiday lets. 4. Ensuring consumer confidence.
There are lots of opportunities for a positive future for our tourism industry, with major investment being made in providing new hotels and attractions. Yet we must ensure these are not lost to short term pressures, like the surge in energy prices caused by the war in Ukraine. Hence the specific calls for support I made during the debate.
Onshore Wind
Since Putin’s attack on Ukraine, it is obvious we must become less reliant on energy imports and produce more of our own.
In doing this we should consider all options, including more onshore wind farms. Whilst this must be done alongside other methods, such as new nuclear and offshore wind, we should not completely rule out new onshore wind turbines if suitable sites have the support of the community living around them.
I am therefore backing an amendment to the Levelling Up Bill which will remove the national ban on onshore wind and allow local communities to decide instead.
IPSA
Whilst Christmas is the season of goodwill, there was little of this towards IPSA, the independent body which sets the rules around MPs office expenses, in parliament last week.
IPSA bizarrely decided it would be appropriate to publish guidance suggesting MPs could charge the taxpayer for the costs of “festive gatherings” for their staff, prompting a predictably angry reaction from MPs and the public. Questions are now being asked as to how IPSA came to this ridiculous conclusion in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, plus what it says about the judgment of IPSA’s team.
Any “festive gathering” for MPs staff should not be paid for by the taxpayer and this is a provision I, along with other colleagues, will make no use of.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Saturday 3rd December 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library, Great Western Rd, Paignton TQ4 5AG and Friday 9th December 10am till 12noon at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT.
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, 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.
