Every fortnight I write a special “Kev’s Column” for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition, published on Wednesday 5th September 2018, below:
TUFC Stadium Talks
Cllr Dave Thomas and I recently meet with Clarke Osborne, the owner of Torquay United Football Club, for a discussion about the recent announcements relating to a new stadium.
The meeting was the result of an invitation to meet from Mr Osborne, after I raised queries and expressed some concerns about the plans put forward, not least the lack of details to back them up.
Whilst the meeting was a constructive one, with some useful comments from Mr Osborne around the new stadium being "the Club's Stadium", both Cllr Thomas and I were clear there is a lot more work which needs to be done before this plan can be seriously considered.
You can read more about this meeting on my website at: https://www.kevinjfoster.com/news/tufc-stadium-plan-talks
Spice
The problems with “Spice” are all too evident on our streets, yet despite the impact of the drug on users and society it is a “Class B” drug, the same as Cannabis.
Since January I have been raising in parliament the problems created by the current classification, not least in the sentencing dealers and suppliers of Spice receive if convicted. They can deal in a drug which has a Class A effect, except when they are held to account in Court for their behaviour. This means they can be back out on the street much more quickly, unless caught with significant quantities.
Last week Cllr Ray Hill, Town Centre Trader John Doherty and I met our local Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, in Castle Circus, a place where the problems caused by Spice are often all too visible. Alison, along with several of her colleagues, have issued a call for it to be reclassified, one the Government should listen to.
Scallop Battle
The sight of Fishing Boats from our bay being attacked whilst lawfully fishing on the open sea was as shocking as it was unacceptable.
A dispute over Scallop Fishing rights turned violent when British Boats headed into the Baie-De-Seine following the collapse of a previous agreement. French Law bans their vessels from fishing for Scallops before 1st October, British Boats are not subject to this restriction. Whatever point the French Fishermen involved were hoping to make should be done peacefully, not via piracy.
Our Ambassador in Paris and Ministers have made clear to the French Government those using violence must be dealt with and the law respected. Only luck prevented serious injuries, hence action must be taken to prevent a repeat of these scenes.
UC Rollout
Full Service Universal Credit (UC) rolls out to Torquay Job Centre Plus today (Wednesday 5th September), bringing with it one of the biggest changes to our benefits system in decades.
UC sees different benefits (JSA, ESA, IS, WTC, CTC and housing benefit) converted into a single system. It also ends the situation where those in need must claim JSA\ESA from the Department for Work and Pensions, but then separately apply to Torbay Council for help with housing costs.
All UC claims must be made on line. The DWP have a contract with Torbay Council to deliver Assisted Digital Support for customers needing help with making a claim on line. This will be delivered in Brixham, Paignton and Torquay Libraries.
I also have a specialist caseworker in my Torquay Office who can help advise, signpost and liaise directly with the DWP should residents have problems in making a UC claim or with an ongoing UC claim. She can be contacted at my office on 01803 214 989 or via emailing me at [email protected]
Energy Drinks
The Government is considering banning the sale of energy drinks to children.
Energy drinks are soft drinks containing higher levels of caffeine than other soft drinks and may also contain a lot of sugar. Evidence suggests excessive consumption of energy drinks by children is linked to problems such as headaches, sleeping problems, irritation and tiredness.
Manufacturers of these drinks make clear they are not suitable for children, with many retailers already refusing to serve them to under 16’s. Hence the government is right to consider changing the law to make it clear they are intended for adults only.
Parliament Returns
My regular commute to London is back as parliament returns after the summer recess.
The next four months will see some of the most important decisions made by parliament in a generation, with plenty of late nights, tight votes and political drama as Brexit dominates the agenda.
No-one can predict precisely what will happen, but the one certainty is some moments of history will take place.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Friday 7th September from 3pm till 5pm at The Windmill Centre, Pendennis Road, Torquay, TQ2 7QB and Saturday 15th September from 11am till 1pm at Preston Baptist Church, Old Torquay Rd, Paignton TQ3 2RB.
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.