Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 23rd March 2023) below:
NHS Pay Deal
More than 1 million NHS staff in England will receive an additional pay rise for this year and a 5% pay rise for 2023/24, as part of a deal agreed following talks between the Government and Trades Unions.
This deal covers nurses, paramedics, 999 call handlers, midwives, security guards and cleaners. As a result of this package, a newly qualified nurse will see their salary go up by more than £2,750 over two years from 2021/22 to 2023/24.
This news is very welcome and represents a fair outcome for staff and taxpayers. I understand similar talks have been offered to the BMA in relation to Junior Doctors, who were on strike last week. If hope this offer is taken up.
Women Gulls
After the Lionesses success last summer, women’s football is finally getting the attention it deserves.
On Sunday it was great to see Torquay United Women FC playing at Plainmoor Stadium, which has been home to the men’s team since 1921, with a 2-1 win as they chase promotion meaning it was smiles all round when the full-time whistle blew.
Getting 3 points was not the only positive aspect. Among the crowd sat many girls wearing their football kit, each seeing football as their game and Plainmoor as a pitch they could one day be playing on. It’s this type of progress at a grassroots level for women’s football which is the greatest legacy of the Lionesses win.
Hunting Trophies Ban
I normally spend Fridays out and about in Torbay, yet the opportunity to help pass a key piece of animal welfare legislation meant last Friday I was in Parliament instead.
Back in January I served on the Public Bill Committee for the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill which was before the House of Commons for its remaining stages.
A strong display of support at the start of the day, with lots of MPs present in the Chamber, meant those who may have sought to derail the bill, instead agreed to withdraw most of their amendments and let it pass. In the end there was no need for a vote at any point, with Third Reading (The final stage of consideration) being passed without any objection.
A further bonus was the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill was passed so speedily there was time left to reach and pass the fourth bill on the order paper, the Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Bill. This bill seeks to prohibit the sale and advertising of activities abroad which involve low animal welfare standards and which would be banned in the UK.
All in a good day for animal welfare in the House of Commons.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 24th March 4pm till 5:30pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Saturday 1st April 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.
