Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (published on Wednesday 27th June 2018) below:
More In Common
Just over two years ago Jo Cox was murdered by a criminal who wanted to sow fear and division in our country.
I was in the Commons Chamber for Jo’s maiden speech in 2015, which was passionate, articulate and humorous. During it she mentioned how we all have more in common than that which divides us. Hence the theme of events to remember her life, not death, is to get together as a community, spending time with neighbours we might not have spoken with before.
On Saturday I attended a get together in Jo’s memory organised by Meg Jolliffe at her home in St Marychurch. The sight of people coming together, enjoying a chat and making friends was exactly what Jo would have wanted the memory of her life to inspire.
EU Withdrawal Bill
Last week saw a significant moment as Parliament completed its consideration of the EU Withdrawal Bill, with the final votes taking place in the Lords and Commons.
After months of discussion and debate this is the most significant piece of Brexit related legislation to be passed since the Referendum in 2016. It paves the way for the UK’s Laws (Referred to as the Statute Book) to be altered to reflect our exit from the EU and will repeal the European Communities Act 1972, the law which took us into the then EEC.
Other areas such as Fisheries, Immigration and Customs will be the subject of separate bills over the coming months, meaning there are plenty more crucial debates and votes to come.
Bins
Amidst debates about Brexit and Heathrow Expansion one subject has been dominating my email inbox and office phone line over the last fortnight……Bins.
Many residents and some local businesses have been getting in touch to let me know the problems they have been having with their recycling or bin collection. After a radio interview on the subject even more residents got in touch detailing how long they had been waiting for a collection.
Tor2’s frontline staff are not at fault and many have worked hard to clear the backlog, despite vehicle breakdowns and vacancies in their service. I called on the Council to get a grip on the situation and work proactively to resolve the short-term problems, then review the long-term future of the service, including whether the Council should resume delivering them in-house.
These calls were echoed by the Conservative Group Leader on Torbay Council, Cllr Dave Thomas at last week’s Council Meeting. This was followed by a dramatic announcement on Friday that Torbay Council will seek to take full control of Tor2 and its services, removing the private company which is currently involved.
This is the right move, but Torbay Council must also review the recycling collection service itself. This should include looking at systems in other areas which see recycling collected in bins, not trays, plus seeing if we could work together with our near neighbours in Plymouth, South Hams and Teignbridge to share costs and deliver better services for residents.
Oldway Update
I joined a large crowd at the Riviera Centre to hear Councillors debate the future of Oldway Mansion.
The first vote confirmed the future of Oldway should be a decision for all 36 Councillors, not just the Mayor. Councillors then voted (on a cross party basis) to remove the option of exploring a sale of the freehold from the final decision.
The best option for Oldway’s future is to take forward the plan devised by the Working Group and the Friends of Oldway, ideally in partnership with a commercial investor. This being based on Torbay Council retaining the freehold (ultimate ownership) of the Mansion and Estate. I therefore support the decision taken by Councillors.
I now look forward to working with Torbay’s Councillors and the Friends of Oldway to deliver the vision set out by the Working Group.
Up-Skirting
On Friday 15th June I was in parliament to support a Private Member’s Bill which would make the practice known as “Up-Skirting” a specific criminal offence.
Whilst the current law allows for prosecutions of the individuals who engage in this practice, it does have gaps and needs modernising. Sadly the actions of one MP using archaic parliamentary procedure, saw it blocked. Whilst this is an all too familiar “Friday feeling” for those of us who regularly attend sessions on Private Member’s Bills, it provoked a level of anger rarely seen in parliament.
The Government has now introduced a bill of its own, which cannot be blocked by just one MP, to ensure the law is changed quickly.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 30th June 11am till 1pm at The Acorn Centre, Lummaton Cross, Torquay TQ2 8ET and Saturday 7th July 11am till 1pm 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.