Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 6th December 2023) below:
Shop Local
Lots of local high streets are getting in the festive mood, so it was great to be asked to do the Christmas lights switch on at Reddenhill Road, Babbacombe as lights were erected in the street by traders for the first time in some years.
If thinking of heading out to do some Christmas Shopping this week, do think about our local independent retailers. Streets like St Marychurch Precinct, Reddenhill Road, Winner Street, Ilsham Road, Walnut Road and Torquay Road (Preston), along with our Town Centres, all have local traders with a range of gifts and locally produced items available.
Best of all spending with an independent retailer sees more of your money stay here in the bay, creating more jobs and opportunities for other small businesses.
Hospices
I led a parliamentary debate on support for hospice services in South Devon during which I outlined the visionary plan for the future of the Rowcroft site.
I also highlighted the various challenges for hospices, particularly those in South Devon. This included the cost pressures Rowcroft Hospice are facing, including a 30% increase in total staff costs and 52% on utilities. Yet NHS funding for Rowcroft has only increased 8% in 5 yrs. Alongside these pressures, demand for hospice care is growing. In South Devon estimates would see demand on Rowcroft growing from 2500 per year currently to over 3,500 by 2040.
I raised with the minister the need for a more consistent and sustainable approach towards funding. Whilst I am not advocating a fully publicly funded service, as the charitable model provides key advantages, there is a need for a more uniform approach to government funding, to offer providers more predictability in terms of planning for the future.
Swim Torquay
Swim Torquay (Plainmoor Pool), Torbay Council and I met with Sport England to get an explanation as to why they had allocated the entire funding for Torbay under the Government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF) to the Riviera International Centre’s (RIC) pool.
Sport England justified their decision with claims the RIC Pool was more at risk of closing so needed it all. Yet it is hard to see how this was the case, given the wider income generating activities of the RIC and the situation facing our community pools. Torbay Council had also, rightly, rated Swim Torquay as a much higher priority for funding given its use by schools and community groups.
Sadly, Sport England’s decision is final, with their funding allocation unable to be altered by Torbay Council. I have though written to the Sports Minister with suggestions as to how he could engage with Sport England about ensuring more community focussed outcomes in future.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Saturday 9th December 11am till 1pm at Preston Baptist Church, Old Torquay Road, Paignton TQ3 2RB and Friday 15th December 10am till 12pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD
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. There are also drop-in sessions from 10am till 1pm, Monday to Friday at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD where a member of my team is available to assist residents with urgent queries.
