Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 21st September 2023) below:
Triple Lock
There has been a bit of speculation about the State Pension Triple Lock, following the figure for growth in earnings being confirmed as 8.5%.
I am always loath to respond to such media speculation, but for clarity no announcement of any change has been made, with final figures for rises in benefits and pensions due to be confirmed later this year. I have been clear in my comments to Ministers the manifesto pledge should be honoured.
In terms of the long-term costs of the State Pension, it is worth noting the Pension Age will rise to 68 (Following a decision taken in 2007) in 2046, having already risen to 66. This point seeming to be missed in much of the debate around the triple lock in the national media.
Wilko,
After a potential rescue deal for Wilko collapsed, its Torquay store closed on Sunday.
My immediate thoughts are with the staff directly affected locally. I know the DWP have made plans to support those who faced losing their jobs to access Universal Credit and find alternative employment.
This is a sad end for a chain which was a key part of our high streets for 90 years and is reminiscent of the collapse of Woolworths back in 2008. The changes in customer shopping habits of recent decades claiming another victim and again highlighting the need for change in our Town Centres.
Torbay Council owns the Union Square Shopping Centre where Torquay’s Wilko store was located. It had been aware of the potential for this day to come for some time, so there are plans, which will be supported using funds from the Government’s £21.9m Torquay Town Deal, to regenerate the site as it is vital this does not become yet another long-term empty building.
Disposable Vapes,
Often sold in colourful containers and with sweet flavours, which attract customers well under the age of 18, disposable vapes are set to be banned.
More than seven million single-use vapes are bought every week in the UK - double the amount bought in 2022, with growing signs more children are using them. The cheap price of disposable vapes makes it easier for children to start vaping, in the way being able to buy individual cigarettes many years ago made it easier to start smoking at a younger age.
This is not about removing vaping as an option, many local stores supply re-useable vapes and vaping fluids only to those aged 18 or over, with the theme of their products and premises visibly aimed at an older market. Yet with an estimated 22% of young people in the Southwest having used vapes it is time for change.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 22nd September 3pm till 5pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Saturday 7th October 11am till 1pm at The Acorn Centre, Lummaton Cross, Torquay TQ2 8ET.
Surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with. For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989. 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.
