News courtesy of Kevin Foster
(MP for Torbay)
Any views expressed in this news post are those of Kevin Foster, unless stated otherwise.
Radio Bill Clears Commons
Kevin Foster’s Private Members’ Bill, the Broadcasting (Radio Multiplex Services) Bill, passed the Report Stage and Third Reading.
The Bill aims to ensure that small community radio stations, that currently can only access FM and AM services, are also able to access Digital Radio services without having to join a larger network, pay an exorbitant amount for the license, or by joining a larger multiplex that would broadcast the service to areas that are not relevant.
It is rare for a PMB to navigate the House of Commons successfully, with an average of just 11% actually becoming legislation due to obstacles like the notorious rules that allow one member to talk the bill out unless it has wide support. It is even rarer for a PMB to do so without any amendments.
Luckily cross party support was encountered, enabling it to progress through the key stages in the House of Commons. The Bill now moves on to the House of Lords for scrutiny.
You can read the debate on the bill by clicking here.
Car Parking Charges Debate
It could soon be easier for councils to offer discount deals in their car parks after a new bill passed the House of Commons today.
Currently Councils seeking to temporarily reduce charges in their car parks and on street spaces are required to follow the same consultation process as if a permanent increase was being planned. This means expensive public notice adverts and delays to ask motorists if they wish to object to plans for them to pay less. Unsurprisingly few reply saying that they would like to pay an extra pound or two rather than benefit from a discount.
The bill will give the Government the ability to introduce new regulations allowing Councils to vary charges downwards for temporary periods, without having to go through an expensive consultation process. To ensure the purposes of this bill were very clear a probing amendment was tabled and was debated along with the whole bill.
You can read comments, along with the rest of the debate on the bill, by clicking here.
Police Benevolent Fund Appeal
Four officers serving in our Police Force have recently passed away, including PC Ray Byfield who was the Neighbourhood Beat Manager for Paignton.
The Devon & Cornwall Police’s Widow and Orphans Fund helps support the families that are left behind and an online page has been set up to help collect donations for it. You can find it by clicking here.
Torre & Upton Survey
The Torre and Upton Community Partnership is conducting a survey to get the views of residents, visitors and anyone with an interest in their area.
They have set a survey up online, and the more responses they get, the better they can reflect the wishes of the community. it will only take a few minutes of your time and you can find it by clicking here.
South Devon Jobs Fair Returns
South Devon employers, who are actively recruiting, will be able to exhibit at the South Devon Jobs Fair in Torquay on Friday 17 March.
Delivered by the TDA, Torbay Council and in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, this free event will take place in Torquay’s Town Hall Assembly Rooms from 9.30am to 1pm, providing anyone looking for a job the opportunity to meet with over 60 local employers.
Full event information is available on the Jobs Fair website by clicking here. Any companies wishing to exhibit can register for a free stand on the website or by sending an email to Rebecca Salter on Rebecca.salter@tedcltd.com. You can also call 01803 208369.
If you are looking for work you can just turn up on the day. Advice is to get there early and bring plenty of copies of your CV.
Love Your High St Week
Following two successful Love your High Street Torbay weeks in July and November 2016, the next week will be from 12th till 18th June 2017.
Love your High Street week is a campaign which encourages local people to shop more frequently in independent shops around the Bay and helps spread the message about why spending locally is so important. Marketing packs and resources will be available for free for high street businesses taking part to help celebrate the campaign and will be delivered to the registered businesses.
Information about how to register to be a part of Love your High Street will be available in the Spring. For an insight into previous campaigns click here to visit the campaign’s website and follow you can follow it on Twitter @loveyourhighsttorbay
Oyez! Oyez! Is This A Job For You?
If you have a loud voice and a larger than life personality, then a job delivering the original version of a residents’ update service is in now available.
In the days before e-mail or newspapers the Town Crier would relay the official news to local people, with many towns retaining the traditional post as an honorary position today. Teignmouth is now searching for a new one and if you think it’s the job for you a competition is likely to be held over St George’s weekend.
You can read more details on the Herald Express website by clicking here.
Events
Torquay Brass Band Concert (Sorry, you’ve missed it [Ed.])
Saturday 4th February – Palace Theatre, Palace Avenue
Time – 19:30
Cost – £10, £8 for concessions
Click here for more information
BBC One Question Time
Thursday 9th February – Riviera Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, TQ2 5LZ
Time – Airs Live at at 22:30
Cost – Free to attend
Booking – Must be applied for in advance – please click here
Click here for more information
