Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 17th November 2022) below:
Triple Lock
Today the Chancellor will outline his spending plans as he delivers the Autumn Statement to Parliament.
Ahead of his statement a debate on the State Pensions Triple Lock in the House of Commons gave a good opportunity to outline my views on this, including my intention to honour this pledge to Torbay's Pensioners with my vote in Parliament.
I also encouraged the Government to look closely at the take up of Pension Credit and to explore innovative ways to help low-income pensioner households across our bay claim the support they are entitled to, as too many are missing out on a boost which could be worth over £3,300 a year.
Asylum Hotels
Last Thursday I appeared live on BBC Radio Devon, then spoke with Sky News, BBC Spotlight and ITV Westcountry.
Sadly, this was not about a positive story for our bay, but in response to a move by the Home Office to use another hotel for accommodation without any notice at all to either myself or, more significantly, Torbay Council given its responsibilities for local services.
Hotels in our bay are designed for people to live in them for short periods, with very few people taking a holiday lasting over 3 weeks. This means the rooms are not designed for longer term usage, causing issues with the standard of them if lived in for much longer periods, but most significantly the Home Office using hotels in our core tourist areas for such a purpose sets an unwelcome precedent from a planning permission perspective. It should be noted a few years ago Torbay Council turned down planning permission for a conversion of holiday accommodation on the Esplanade in Paignton into longer term accommodation for children in care as part of efforts to protect the location for tourism use.
Given recent events Torbay Council’s Chief Executive has indicated they are considering legal action against the Home Office, with letters already sent under the appropriate pre-action protocol. I have already advised her Torbay Council will have my full support if they do.
Liberation
The scenes of people running from their homes to welcome Ukrainian Troops as they entered Kherson were reminiscent of those seen in 1944 as Allied Forces advanced in France, Belgium and Holland.
This liberation was made possible by the bravery of Ukrainian Forces and the support we, and our allies, are providing them. This victory is a major defeat for Vladimir Putin who only weeks ago tried to annex the city into Russia.
Ukraine has won the battle for Kherson. We must continue giving the support Ukraine needs to win the war.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Saturday 19th November 11am till 1pm at Preston Baptist Church, 62 Old Torquay Rd, Paignton TQ3 2RB and Saturday 3rd December 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library, Great Western Rd, Paignton TQ4 5AG.
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.
