reform

Wishing you peace this Christmas followed by the light of hope for 2026

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 10:29:53 GMT

Wishing Torbay a peaceful Christmas

Join Reform Torbay as we enter 2026.

Hope for a future that puts you at the centre of government whilst striving to preserve our heritage and traditional values through common sense policies.

With warmth, from your hard-working

Reform Torbay team

Reform UK Questions Council’s Failure to Partner with Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 11:59:55 GMT

Reform UK Torbay is deeply saddened to learn of the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust's decision to enter voluntary liquidation on 31st October 2025. For 26 years, this vital organisation has stewarded over 1,700 acres of our cherished green spaces, including beloved sites like Occombe Farm - true crown jewels of our region. This closure not only jeopardises key conservation efforts but also puts 70 dedicated staff at risk, all amid escalating financial pressures from rising costs, maintenance demands and revenue shortfalls exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the inflationary surge since 2022.

We must question the Torbay Council's failure to step up as a supportive partner during these challenging times. The council has offered little in the way of meaningful financial aid, grants or restructuring assistance. This hands off approach has now forced the entire management burden back onto the council, highlighting the broader strains on local government funding across England.

At Reform UK Torbay, we firmly believe that any form of private or trustee led support should be welcomed with open arms, not shunned or undermined. Community driven initiatives like the Trust, although not perfect, can lighten the load on public resources. Had we been in a position to partner with the Trust, outcomes could have been markedly different.

At Reform UK, we will advocate for leaner, more efficient local government that prioritises collaboration over bureaucracy, ensuring trusts like TCCT aren't left to falter alone. We believe that our pro-growth policies could provide for a better business environment for private business enterprises like the trust to survive. Torbay deserves better - let's build a future where community treasures thrive through smart, supportive governance.

Paignton Zoo: A Local Treasure Undermined by Years of Government Neglect

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:34:14 GMT

New data on Paignton Zoo’s visitor numbers reveals the stark reality facing one of Torbay’s most cherished institutions. Once attracting close to half a million visitors annually, admissions have steadily declined - from 474,638 in 2016 to an estimated 350,000–375,000 in 2023, with a further drop expected in 2024 amid cost of living pressures. The sharpest fall came in 2020, when Covid closures saw numbers collapse to just 264,809. Although attendance has partially recovered, it has never returned to pre-pandemic levels and financial strain now threatens the zoo’s long term survival.

This decline is not simply the result of changing visitor habits; it is the consequence of years of destructive government policy and an unsupportive business environment. During Covid, the zoo lost almost all income but retained the full cost of animal care, estate maintenance and staffing. Since then, it has faced rising taxes, spiralling energy bills and crippling regulation, all while families have less to spend. These combined pressures have pushed a vital local institution to the brink.

The Wild Planet Trust, which operates Paignton Zoo, is now seeking investors to safeguard its future. Yet private investment will remain unlikely until the external factors that caused this crisis which are excessive taxation, red tape and an anti-growth economy, are removed. Without real reform, the business case for saving cherished community assets like Paignton Zoo simply doesn’t stack up.

Reform UK Torbay believes only a Reform government can change this trajectory. We would remove onerous taxes on charities and conservation organisations, cut wasteful regulation and encourage innovative private and charitable investment into trusts like Wild Planet. Reform would restore investor confidence and create a stable, pro-growth environment where institutions such as Paignton Zoo can once again thrive.

Paignton Zoo is more than a tourist attraction… It is a cornerstone of Torbay’s economy and identity. Its decline is a symptom of failed policy, not local mismanagement. Reform UK Torbay stands ready to work with the community and investors to secure its future, but the message is clear: we need a Reform government before investors will be encouraged to invest and before Torbay’s greatest assets are lost for good.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Reform UK Torbay Press Office

media@reformtorbay.uk

Reform UK Torbay: Standing with the Baton of Hope

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:46:43 GMT

How Reform UK will make a difference

Later this month, Torbay will host the Baton of Hope relay, a powerful event that shines a light on one of the most tragic issues facing families across our country - suicide. The relay will pass through Torquay, Paignton and Brixham on 30th September, bringing people together to raise awareness, share stories and support the Torbay Suicide Prevention Legacy Fund.

Reform UK Torbay supports this initiative wholeheartedly. It is a worthwhile cause, and our community is right to stand behind it. But while events like this bring people together, we must also ask why so many are struggling in the first place.

Suicide is not only a personal tragedy, it is also a reflection of wider pressures on our society. More and more people feel crushed by the rising cost of living. Energy bills, rents and mortgages are soaring. Taxes and charges keep climbing, eating into already stretched incomes. Public services, bloated with bureaucracy and inefficiency, fail to provide the support people need when they need it most.

These are not natural burdens. They are created and worsened by the way our state operates. A bloated, wasteful government piles costs onto ordinary people while delivering less and less in return. It is no surprise that many feel overwhelmed. That pressure feeds despair… and in too many cases, it ends in tragedy.

Reform UK is committed to rolling back the state and easing the financial and mental strain on households. A Reform UK government would cut the cost of living at its root, driving down energy bills, reducing wasteful taxation and tackling housing and transport costs by removing unnecessary barriers and encouraging competition. We would make government work for people, not against them, streamlining services, ending waste and focusing resources on frontline needs, including mental health support. And we would put communities first, giving strength to local groups, charities and initiatives like Baton of Hope that provide immediate help and real solidarity.

By taking the boot of the state off people’s necks, Reform UK will give families breathing space again.

After five years of Reform UK in government, we believe suicide rates will fall. Not because the problem disappears overnight, but because fewer people will be driven to breaking point by financial stress, state intrusion and hopelessness. When bills are affordable, when work pays and when public services actually deliver, people are better able to cope. That is the change Reform UK offers.

The Baton of Hope shows the strength of our community and the importance of talking openly about suicide and mental health. Reform UK Torbay is proud to support it. But we are also determined to do more by fixing the broken system that leaves too many people feeling they have no way out.

With Reform, there can be hope not just for a day, but for the long term future of Torbay and Britain.

Charlie Kirk: The left wing and main stream political commentators must now refrain from their hate speech!

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 14:26:31 GMT

Charlie Kirk’s death this week should awaken everyone to the dangers of smearing people with unfounded names. This has become a hallmark of leftwing politicians and mainstream political commentators. Terms like ‘fascist’, ‘Nazi’, ‘Racist’ and ‘Far-right’ have been repeatedly and purposefully used to try to silence voices that are in opposition to the established narrative. This strategy has now culminated in a less than stable individual assassinating a conservative voice. The political left and the mainstream commentators that have contributed to this smear narrative must shoulder much of the blame. It is utterly despicable that they continue with these slurs even after the event.

In the era of the ‘online safety act’ and diminished freedom of speech in this country, it is ironic that the ‘hate’ speech that has directly led to violence in the world, the perpetual nazi, fascist, racist, far right insults is the one that remains unaffected. It is time that we called out this orchestrated smear campaign for what it is; an intentional attempt to restrict the freedom of speech of the peoples in western nations. Combined with recent legislation, this is a concerted attempt to cling on to power by restricting contrary voices that echoes experiences of communist Russia and Nazi Germany.

This hateful campaign propagated by a failing political elite demonstrates one thing; that they have lost the debate. Charlie Kirk was a pioneer at pushing back against the lies of the left. They didn’t hate him because he argued with them, because he didn’t. Charlie Kirk simply put out the truth and then strongly defended it. This is why they hated him, because he showed that they were wrong.

If you haven’t already sought out some of the clips of Charlie Kirk, I strongly suggest that you do. As Chairman of Reform Torbay, I believe that I speak for everyone involved with the branch, that we were deeply saddened by Charlie’s death. I hope you will join with me in praying for the dear family that he has left behind. We will continue in Charlie’s footsteps by putting the truth out there and standing strongly behind it!

A Better Way to Spend Our Money

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:14:19 GMT

Recent news suggests Torbay Council has an extra £350,000 to spend. They want to use it on a Christmas ice rink, a council newspaper and a bay spruce up.

Reform UK Torbay strongly believes this money must tackle bigger problems instead. We are determined to make public servants use your tax money wisely. They have a duty to give you the best value for every pound. Reform UK will fight to make that happen and here suggests some better uses for your money.

Torbay has a bad drug problem. Every year, 13.6 out of 100,000 people die from drugs here - twice the national average. Addiction hurts families and costs us all in crime and health bills. The council must stop wasting money and start saving lives. Reform UK would use some of the £350,000 for more drug treatment programs. This is the smart way to help people and cut bigger costs later.

Crime is a big worry in Torbay. Torquay is Devon’s most dangerous medium sized town, with violent crimes up 57.2% last year. People feel scared and businesses lose money when crime is high. The council’s £40,000 for cameras won’t fix this. Public servants owe you real safety. Reform UK would hire more police to stop crime before it starts. That’s the better value for your money.

Only 8% of Torbay’s homes are social housing, compared to 18% across England. Families can’t afford to stay here and have to leave. This hurts our community and jobs. Public servants should invest in homes for local families. Reform UK would use some of the surplus to make more affordable housing. It’s a smart investment to keep Torbay strong.

An ice rink might be nice, but our community’s real needs come first. Public servants have a big job: they must use your money to solve big problems. Reform UK Torbay would use your money more wisely. We’re determined to deliver for the people, using your money to solve real problems. Together, we can make Torbay safer, healthier, and stronger!

Reform UK Torbay Calls for Smarter Flood Solutions

gordonscottreform@hotmail.com (Gordon Scott) — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 17:00:03 GMT

Reform UK Torbay stands for practical solutions that put our community first. The £4.6 million sea wall upgrades for Preston and Paignton, approved by Torbay Council on June 24, 2024, focus on rising sea levels tied to Net Zero climate goals. We believe this misses the mark. Torbay’s real problem is flooding from heavy rain due to poor drainage, not unproven sea level rise.

The UK’s flood risk tool shows Torbay’s biggest threat is surface water flooding, putting over 350 properties at risk. Fixing drainage systems would help these homes and businesses faster and likely cost less than the £4.6 million sea wall project. Funded by the Environment Agency, local developers, and the Future High Streets Fund, this money could be better spent on what we know works.

Higher sea walls might even make flooding worse by trapping rainwater in low-lying areas. This could harm the very homes and businesses the project aims to protect. Reform UK Torbay urges the council to focus on drainage upgrades instead, tackling the clear cause of flooding head-on.

Set to start in September 2025 and finish by May 2027, the sea wall project followed years of consultations. While public input shaped some changes, the plan still leans on shaky sea level rise predictions rather than local flood data. We think Torbay’s money should solve real problems, like saving our hospital’s heart services or fighting crime, not chasing Net Zero maybes.

Reform UK Torbay calls for a rethink. Let’s redirect funds to fix drainage and protect our community now. Practical solutions, not climate guesses, will keep Torbay safe.

Directors at Integrated Care Board Announce Cancellation of Emergency Cardiac Care Plans at Torbay Hospital

gordonscottreform@hotmail.com (Gordon Scott) — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:38:05 GMT

Reform UK Torbay sent the letter below demanding the cancellation to Devon’s Emergency Cardiac Care Merger Plan to prevent unnecessary loss of life.

We are delighted that the Directors at the Integrated Care Board have now decided to cancel their plans. We believe that as the decision was made very soon after this letter was received that we could have been instrumental in their decision.

Outdated Study Informs Changes To Torbay's Emergency Cardiac Care

gordonscottreform@hotmail.com (Gordon Scott) — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:00:08 GMT

The NHS Devon Integrated Care Board’s decision to explore consolidating emergency cardiac services through a “test and learn” process leans heavily on the 2016 “Bigger, Better, Faster?” report by the South West Cardiovascular Strategic Clinical Network. This nine-year-old study, to which we have only been given access to an executive summary, suggests reducing Heart Attack Centres from ten to six or seven across the South West. While it claims marginal clinical impacts, it explicitly acknowledges “geographical inequity” for Torbay, where residents face longer travel times for life-saving interventions like Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (pPCI). This admission of adverse effects on Torbay’s access to emergency care raises serious questions about the report’s suitability as the foundation for such a critical decision.

Torbay, with its higher-than-average prevalence of coronary heart disease, cannot afford to be sidelined by outdated evidence. The 2016 report’s failure to account for recent data, like the 2023/24 Torbay Joint Strategic Needs Assessment showing a 4.1% coronary heart disease rate against a 3.0% national average, underscores its obsolescence. Furthermore, the report’s own modelling highlights that consolidating services would disproportionately burden Torbay, increasing travel times by up to 28 minutes for emergency care. Relying on this aging study, which lacks transparency and fails to address current clinical realities, risks compromising patient safety and exacerbating health inequalities in an already vulnerable region.

Basing a decision with such profound implications on a nine-year-old study that concedes harm to Torbay is simply not good enough. The NHS Devon Board must prioritize current, robust data and transparent public engagement to ensure decisions align with the Nolan Principles of objectivity and accountability. Torbay’s residents, who rely on the exceptional performance of their local emergency cardiac unit - ranked fifth nationally compared to Exeter’s 56th - deserve a process that values their lives over bureaucratic expediency. The board must reconsider this flawed approach and demand up-to-date evidence to protect, not undermine, the health of Torbay’s community.

The Grooming Gang Scandal Reveals Flaws In The Equalities Act

gordonscottreform@hotmail.com (Gordon Scott) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 20:11:41 GMT

The grooming gang scandal has left an indelible mark on the UK, with towns like Rotherham, Rochdale, and Telford exposing horrific cases of child sexual exploitation, often perpetrated by groups from specific ethnic backgrounds. These crimes met with delayed responses from authorities who feared accusations of racism, a hesitation that critics argue was exacerbated by the Equality Act 2010. This legislation, they contend, fostered a culture of caution that undermined justice by prioritizing the protection of group identities over the enforcement of the law. What follows is an exploration of how this act may have contributed to the scandal, alongside a case for its repeal, advocating a return to the principle of equality before the law to prevent such failures in the future.

Enacted in 2010, the Equality Act consolidated the UK’s anti-discrimination laws into a single framework, protecting individuals from unfair treatment based on nine "protected characteristics," such as race, religion, and sex. It also introduced the Public Sector Equality Duty, which mandates public bodies to eliminate discrimination and promote good relations between different groups, aiming to ensure fairness across society. Yet, this emphasis on group protections has sparked controversy. Some assert that it created an environment where authorities hesitated to enforce the law, particularly when dealing with minority communities, out of fear of appearing biased.

The grooming gang cases starkly illustrate this tension. In these incidents, organized groups of specific ethnic backgrounds exploited vulnerable young girls over years. Professor Alexis Jay’s 2014 report into Rotherham revealed that over 1,400 children were abused between 1997 and 2013, with authorities often aware of the crimes but reluctant to act. The report highlighted a chilling detail: staff avoided identifying the perpetrators’ ethnic origins, citing concerns about being labelled racist. This pattern of inaction repeated across multiple towns, pointing to a systemic failure widely attributed to a fear of breaching cultural sensitivities—a fear some tie directly to the Equality Act’s influence.

At the core of this critique lies the Public Sector Equality Duty, which requires public bodies to "foster good relations" and eliminate discrimination. In practice, this may have discouraged decisive action against minority perpetrators in the grooming gang cases. Police and social services reportedly shied away from thorough investigations, wary of accusations of racial or religious prejudice, allowing crimes to persist unchecked. Critics argue that the act’s focus on group identity, rather than individual accountability, distorted the legal landscape, fostering a form of "reverse discrimination." By protecting certain communities from perceived bias, it led to an unequal application of the law, leaving victims without the justice they deserved.

Yet, defenders of the Equality Act maintain that it remains a vital tool for safeguarding vulnerable groups from discrimination. They argue that the grooming gang scandal resulted from failures in policing and social services, not from the legislation itself. The law, they insist, is designed to prevent unfair treatment, not to shield criminals, and repealing it could weaken protections for minorities while unravelling decades of progress in areas like disability access and gender equity.

Despite these defences, the argument for repeal gains traction. Critics contend that the Equality Act has shifted the UK away from the foundational principle of equality before the law, where individuals are judged solely on their actions, not their group affiliation. In the grooming gang scandal, this shift paralyzed authorities, enabling predators to exploit the system. Repealing the act and restoring equal treatment under the law would empower police and courts to act without fear of discrimination claims, refocusing justice on individual responsibility. Crimes could then be prosecuted regardless of the perpetrator’s background, ensuring a system that prioritizes victims over bureaucratic hesitation. This approach would not abandon anti-discrimination efforts but would streamline them into a clearer, less cumbersome framework.

The grooming gang scandal laid bare a devastating flaw in the UK’s justice system: a fear of enforcing the law impartially, fuelled in part by the Equality Act 2010. While the act was intended to promote fairness, its emphasis on group protections has been exploited, leaving vulnerable children unprotected. Repealing it and returning to the principle of equality before the law offers a way forward - a path where justice is blind to race, religion, or status, and where future crimes can be prevented through fearless, impartial action. The time has come to place victims above political correctness and reaffirm that no one stands above the law.

Reform UK Backs Public Outcry Over Plans to Strip Torbay of Emergency Cardiac Care

gordonscottreform@hotmail.com (Gordon Scott) — Fri, 30 May 2025 16:41:14 GMT

Torbay, 30 May 2025 — Reform UK is calling for immediate public mobilisation following revelations at a well-attended public meeting on Thursday 29th May at The Imperial Hotel Torquay, hosted by the Torquay Chamber of Commerce. The meeting, which drew approximately 75 concerned citizens — including GPs, cardiac specialists, hospital trustees, journalists and local community figures — exposed deeply worrying plans to remove all emergency cardiac care from Torbay Hospital.

The meeting featured a powerful address by Consultant Cardiologist Lisa Yung, who warned that Torbay’s emergency coronary services are at imminent risk of being moved to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RDE). If implemented, this would mean that anyone in South Devon experiencing a heart attack and dialling 999 would be transported directly to Exeter — bypassing Torbay entirely.

Only two exceptions would remain:

- Patients already admitted to Torbay Hospital

- Those who physically present themselves at A&E

“This isn’t just a technical reshuffle — it’s a dangerous step backwards for emergency care in Torbay,” said a Reform UK spokesperson. “Lives will be put at risk, and the public hasn’t even been consulted.”

Despite the gravity of this proposal, most GPs are unaware, and public awareness remains dangerously low. The deadline for the final decision to begin trials and a test period lasting 8 weeks has now been pushed back to 31st July 2025, giving the community just eight weeks to fight back.

One hospital trust member present at the meeting urged anyone with medical or healthcare experience to apply to become a trust member and bring accountability to the process. Reform UK echoes this call and stands ready to support candidates who will speak up for local services and patients.

“This is OUR hospital, OUR community, and OUR lives on the line,” the spokesperson added. “Reform UK is taking action.”

Reform UK is committed to shining a light on backroom decisions that undermine public safety, and to empowering local communities to protect their vital services.

For more information, to get involved, or to share your story, please contact:

info@reformtorbay.uk

Reform UK: Shattering the 'Contender' Myth – A New Political Era Begins

gordonscottreform@hotmail.com (Gordon Scott) — Mon, 05 May 2025 11:06:31 GMT

As the Chairman for Reform UK in Torbay, I am thrilled by the seismic shift we witnessed in the May 1st elections. Our party’s performance has not only defied the sceptics but has laid a robust foundation for transformative change in constituencies like ours.

Nationally, Reform UK achieved unprecedented success — securing nearly 700 out of 1,640 contested local seats, gaining majorities on ten councils, winning the popular vote in 15 out of 23 authorities. We captured two mayoralties, including the inaugural positions in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull with East Yorkshire. In Staffordshire, we won 49 out of 62 seats to take control from the Conservatives. In West Northamptonshire, we went from no representation to holding 42 seats — securing a majority while unseating leaders from all major parties.

These results are not just statistics. They reflect a growing connection with voters who feel disillusioned with the traditional parties. The Runcorn and Helsby by-election, where our candidate Sarah Pochin overturned a Labour majority of nearly 15,000 by just six votes, underscores our widening appeal across the political spectrum.

For Torbay, these developments carry particular weight. In the 2024 General Election, I secured 18.8% of the vote and came third. That alone was a strong signal of the appetite for change among our local residents. These recent local election results now strengthen our platform and offer us renewed credibility as we work to take our message even further in the Bay.

Torbay — once the jewel of the English Riviera — has been let down by years of under-investment and poor policy decisions. As someone who has spent much of my life in the tourism and leisure industries, I know first-hand what this area could be with the right leadership. It’s time we realised that potential and brought pride and opportunity back to our community. Our priority will be to revive the local economy, improve public services and ensure residents’ concerns are taken seriously.

The media’s portrayal of Reform UK as a fringe movement has now been thoroughly discredited. Our ability to secure decisive victories across the country shows the scale of our support and the strength of our organisation. This momentum is no flash in the pan — it is part of a much broader political shift.

Looking ahead, our commitment to key issues such as immigration, economic reform and restoring accountability in government remains unwavering. We are ready to challenge the old order and offer voters a strong, common-sense alternative built on sound policy and a belief in Britain’s potential.

The May 1st elections have not only redefined Reform UK's standing — they have marked a turning point for British politics. Reform UK are now in pole position to win all upcoming elections. A new chapter has begun, and Torbay is ready to lead the way.

The closure of 'Living Coasts' in Torquay has left a significant scar on the waterfront, both physically and symbolically.

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:51:49 GMT

The disuse of such a prominent site in a prime location has sparked frustration from residents and fuelled political debate. While a deal has now been struck to hand over the site to ARC Marine an eco-engineering firm with plans to create a marine restoration centre opinion is far from united. The project promises to create jobs, build local talent and contribute to marine conservation efforts, which on the surface sounds commendable. But not everyone is convinced this is the best use of such a valuable space.

Reform UK Torbay has voiced concerns about the lack of public consultation around the decision. Under the leadership of Gordon Scott, the party has argued that the site could be put to better use one that reflects what the people of Torbay actually want. Many locals have suggested that the land be returned to public use as open space or gardens, enhancing the harbour area and bringing long-term social value to the community. Former mayor Gordon Oliver has echoed these sentiments, warning against another project that benefits private interests without fully considering the needs of residents and local businesses.

At the heart of the issue is a broader question of leadership and accountability. Steve Darling, Torbay's newly elected MP, has remained relatively quiet on the matter. His position both as a representative and as someone long-involved in local governance should place him in a prime position to steer this debate. But is he doing enough? Has he truly engaged with public opinion? As these decisions shape the very character of the town, it is fair to ask whether Steve Darling is the right person to deliver for Torbay.

The situation with Living Coasts is more than a story about a closed zoo. It’s a reflection of the ongoing tension between centralised decisions and grassroots priorities. Reform UK Torbay continues to champion a more transparent, community-led approach one that puts residents at the centre, not on the sidelines. Whether those in charge are listening remains to be seen.

Once a much-loved coastal zoo and aquarium, it attracted thousands of visitors every year and brought in millions to the local economy. But when the pandemic hit, the cost of upkeep and the financial toll on the Wild Planet Trust led to the doors closing for good in 2020. Since then, the site has remained unused, decaying behind fencing and attracting more criticism than progress.

Who Protects Our High Street?

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 19:33:28 GMT

High street shops left to criminals - Why pay for useless apps when we need real police?

In Torbay, the police don’t protect our high street. Instead, we get council street wardens and one PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) who only work 9 to 5. This isn’t enough to keep businesses safe or stop crime. It’s unacceptable in a modern country.

(Note: This isn’t about the hard work our underfunded police do every day.)

Local shops are on their own. They’ve been left to deal with crime for years. They use a WhatsApp group to warn each other about repeat criminals who target their stores. They report crimes to the police, but nothing happens because the police are too busy.

Now, the government wants businesses - who already pay high taxes - to pay even more for safety. A new app to report crimes will cost £20 a month after a free trial. This is a joke. Why is the government making new, costly schemes instead of funding the police properly?

Bureaucrats keep creating useless roles and apps that don’t fix the problem. They pile on red tape and fees while crime gets worse. Reform UK says this must stop. We’ll put 40,000 more police officers on our streets. We’ll cut paperwork and give police the tools they need. We’ll tackle organized crime and give criminals tougher sentences.

The people and businesses of the UK deserve better. Reform UK will make it happen!

Real Solutions for Torbay's Housing Crisis: Reform UK Leading the Change

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 17:10:06 GMT

Torbay deserves real action, not excuses. Families in Torquay and Paignton are struggling, yet the homelessness crisis keeps getting worse. Over 1,600 people remain stuck on the housing register, a shocking 50% increase since 2018. The number of households in temporary accommodation has surged by 92% since 2019, with around 24 people sleeping rough every month. These are not just numbers. They are lives left in limbo by a broken system.

Labour has failed the people of Torbay. Their latest Spring Statement introduced brutal welfare and public spending cuts, pushing 250,000 more people into poverty, including 50,000 children. More than 3 million households will suffer under their reckless austerity measures, with communities like Torbay hit the hardest. Those who rely on support have been abandoned while Labour prioritises political games over real solutions.

Local leadership has been no better. Torbay Council continues to tinker around the edges instead of tackling the problem head-on. A 20-bed homeless support unit in Torquay barely scratches the surface when over 1,600 families remain in desperate need. The council’s Housing Strategy from 2023 to 2030 talks about prevention and support, yet homelessness continues to rise, proving their plans are not working.

Reform UK stands for bold, practical solutions. Removing needless bureaucracy will allow affordable housing to be built faster, ensuring local families have secure homes. Targeted investment in community regeneration will breathe new life into struggling areas without forcing through punishing austerity. Rather than empty promises, Reform UK offers a real plan to fix the problem at its core.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats have ignored the crisis for too long. The people of Torbay need leadership that fights for them. Reform UK will not stand by while families suffer. Change is coming, and it starts with putting local people first.

Labour Are "Rebuilding Public Services"... But What About Care Homes?

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:00:03 GMT

Care homes across the UK, including those in Torbay, are taking legal action against Rachel Reeves’ National Insurance hike - a policy that’s hitting private care providers hard and threatening to destabilise both the care sector and the NHS. This £26 billion tax increase, effective from April 2025, forces care homes to shoulder a £940 million annual burden, pushing many to the edge of collapse. If they fall, the NHS - already stretched thin - will face even greater strain as demand surges, leaving Torbay’s elderly and vulnerable at risk.

The Labour government claims this tax is needed to “rebuild public services,” yet they’ve refused to spare care homes, unlike the public sector which gets reimbursed. This choice could cost the NHS £1.7 billion - enough to hire 46,000 nurses - and robs frontline services of vital funds. For Torbay’s electorate, this means longer waits for care, a crumbling NHS, and local businesses facing job losses as the tax hike ripples out, hitting sectors like car manufacturing too.

Reform stands with Torbay’s people against this reckless policy. We’ll fight to scrap this jobs-killing tax, protect our care homes, and stop Labour from strangling the NHS with one hand while pretending to save it with the other. Our NHS and our community deserve better - Reform UK will deliver real solutions, not empty promises, to secure the care and health services Torbay relies on.

Reform UK Torbay: Putting People First

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Reform UK stands for real change. Ending pointless bureaucracy will allow affordable homes to be built, ensuring local families are housed properly. Investment in community regeneration will give neighbourhoods like Melville Hill the resources they need without forcing through brutal austerity. Rather than cutting people off, Reform UK believes in rebuilding from the ground up.

The people of Torbay are already working hard to improve their community. The "Making Melville Marvellous" project has helped clean up the streets, install CCTV and bring neighbours together. These efforts are making a difference, yet without proper support from national government, they will never be enough.

The Labour Government, Conservatives and now the Liberal Democrats have failed Torbay. Reform UK will not stand by while people struggle. Change is possible, but only with leadership that puts local people first.

No more neglect – Torbay deserves more! Areas like Torquay and Paignton, especially neighbourhoods like Melville Hill, have been neglected for too long. This historic area, home to 44 Grade II listed buildings, has suffered from substandard housing, high unemployment and rampant drug misuse since the 1970s. Reports from health authorities show residents face lower life expectancy and worsening mental health, yet nothing has been done to reverse the decline.

Labour's latest round of cuts has only made life harder. Their 2025 Spring Statement slashed welfare and public spending, pushing 250,000 more people into poverty, including 50,000 children. Over 3 million households will be affected, with struggling communities like Melville Hill bearing the brunt. Families who rely on support are being abandoned while politicians in Westminster pretend everything is fine.

Reform UK Torbay: Fighting for Fair Housing

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:30:00 GMT

Torbay deserves better. Families in Torquay and Paignton are being let down by a housing crisis that continues to deepen. Over 1,400 families remain stuck on a waiting list with no end in sight.

The Labour government's recent Spring Statement has only made things worse. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has slashed £14 billion from public spending, cutting welfare and pushing 250,000 more people into poverty. Torbay's most vulnerable residents now face even greater uncertainty, struggling to find secure housing while the government turns its back.

Reform UK believes in action, not excuses. Removing red tape will speed up the construction of affordable housing, giving local families a real chance to secure a home. Labour's reckless policies have punished hard-working people, yet Reform UK stands for common-sense solutions that put communities first.

Torbay Council claims it is addressing the crisis by converting derelict hotels into housing, yet national policy failures have made real progress impossible. A freedom of information request uncovered that 1,907 homes in Torbay are currently unoccupied. This is more than enough to ease the waiting list, yet local and national leadership have failed to act.

The Labour Government, Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats have failed. The people of Torbay need real solutions, not empty promises. Reform UK will fight to fix this broken system, ensuring local people come first.

Reform UK Torbay Demand Answers for the Proposed Closure for the Out of Hours Coronary Services at Torbay Hospital

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:39:14 GMT

Ann Widdecombe, on behalf of Reform UK Torbay, has raised concerns about the future of cardiac care services at Torbay Hospital.

Residing in Haytor, Ms Widdecombe joined Reform UK colleagues outside the hospital to challenge the proposal to relocate the out-of-hours cardiac care service from Torbay.

In January, Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice MP submitted a Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to seek clarification on the government's plans for Torbay Hospital. The response confirmed that Torbay Hospital has been placed in 'Wave 2' of the New Hospital Programme, meaning significant developments are unlikely before 2032 with potential for further delays.

Ms Widdecombe voiced her concerns, stating that users of Torbay Hospital deserve clear information. She questioned whether these actions might indicate the beginning of a reduction in the hospital's comprehensive services. She highlighted that the cardiac unit's reorganisation, presented as a trial, could affect cardiac patients and potentially lead to further changes in other critical departments such as maternity and emergency care. Ms Widdecombe stressed the importance of preventing the loss of vital services at Torbay.

Gordon Scott, chairman of the Torbay branch of Reform UK, reaffirmed the party's commitment to keeping the community informed about the hospital's future. He announced that Reform UK plans to stand candidates in every division in Devon for the upcoming county council elections. These candidates will push for the government and local health executives to keep Torbay Hospital as a fully operational, comprehensive healthcare facility, opposing any moves to reduce or downgrade its services.

More on this here: https://www.middevonadvertiser.co.uk/news/reform-uk-demands-answer-over-hospitals-future-773725

Heart Care in Torbay: A Call for Action

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:26:58 GMT

Did you know that if you suffer a heart attack in Torbay, you may not receive treatment locally? Instead, you might need to be transferred all the way to Exeter, a 40-minute drive away - far longer than the 9 minutes it takes to reach Torbay Hospital. In a medical emergency, every minute counts.

So, what happens if bad traffic or snow on Haldon Hill delays your journey?

This is a very real concern for our community. With approximately 457 people in Torbay dying each year from heart-related issues, the question arises: will these numbers increase if people are forced to travel further for emergency care? The added stress and risk to lives could be significant.

And yet, despite the rising tax burden, with taxes increasing by 4.75%, it feels as though we are paying more, but receiving less. Where is the accountability? Who is looking out for the residents of Torbay? Local healthcare services are an essential part of any community, and we cannot afford to lose them or see them moved further away when we need them most.

This is a time to speak up. We can’t let this situation pass quietly. Our community deserves better. Reform UK do not believe that we should simply accept this change, or should we come together and demand that heart services remain accessible locally, without the added risk of unnecessary travel?

Let’s not wait for this problem to get worse. Now is the time to act—before more lives are at risk. Let’s ensure that Torbay continues to receive the healthcare it deserves.

Join us in raising awareness, speaking up, and working together to protect our hospital services.

Your voice matters.

Oldway Mansion: A Sign of Government Failure and Why Reform UK Can Fix It

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 17:30:01 GMT

For years, Oldway Mansion has been falling apart. Once a grand part of Torbay’s history, it now stands in ruins. Endless delays, wasted money and a lack of leadership have left it this way. The people in charge should have protected it, but they failed.

Torbay Council has spent years deciding what to do. They have written reports, formed committees and asked for funding - but nothing has changed. Now, fixing it will cost £54 million. People are asking why it was left this long. The answer is clear: weak leadership, bad planning and poor spending choices.

The Mess at Oldway Mansion

The slow progress speaks for itself. It took until 2025 just to start fixing the roof. Even then, the council needed an £8 million government bailout. Meanwhile, Friends of Oldway, a volunteer group, had to shut down the Tearooms because the building had become unsafe. Local people want to help, but the council keeps failing them.

Even with all their so-called ‘plans’ and ‘strategies,’ the council still has no real way to restore the mansion without wasting more public money. This is what Reform UK wants to change.

Reform UK’s Solution: Clear Spending, Strong Leadership and Local Control

Reform UK believes in smart spending. Taxpayers’ money should be used wisely, not wasted on endless meetings and delays. If local councils were run well, Oldway Mansion wouldn’t be in this state of disrepair.

Reform UK would cut red tape. Too much public money is wasted on admin and consultants instead of real action. Councils must work faster and smarter. Spending needs to be focused. While millions are lost on failed projects and pointless schemes, historic buildings like Oldway Mansion fall apart. Reform UK would force councils to focus on real improvements. Local people should have control. Volunteers and community groups like Friends of Oldway care more than the council. Reform UK would let them take charge and get things done.

Time for Real Change

Oldway Mansion is not the only problem. Across the country, historic buildings, roads and public services are failing because of weak leadership. Reform UK wants a new approach - one that puts efficiency, responsibility and community first.

Torbay and the rest of the UK deserve better. If we want thriving communities, we must change how councils work. Reform UK is ready to make that change. The question is: how much longer will we put up with failure?

----------------------------------------------------------

Photo Copyright 2019 by Benedict Fothergill

Trendy Workshops vs Improving Daily Life: What's The Best Use of Taxpayer Money?

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 18:21:24 GMT

Local councils have a duty to spend public money wisely. But is Torbay Council doing that?

On Thursday 27 February from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, the council is hosting a free “Let’s Talk Inclusion – Race Equality Workshop” at the Torbay Business Centre in Torquay. The workshop aims to promote inclusion in local businesses and encourage discussions about race equality.

The session is being run by Diversity Business Incubator (DBI), a group of inclusion experts. It will focus on different types of discrimination and give attendees skills to challenge it. The idea sounds positive, but is it really necessary? Will this event improve people’s lives in Torbay, or is it just another example of councils spending money on trendy ideas rather than real issues?

Public services are struggling. Hospitals face long waiting times, roads are full of potholes and schools lack funding. People across Torbay are dealing with real problems every day. Yet instead of focusing on these urgent needs, the council is spending time and money on workshops that may not provide any practical benefits.

Reform UK believes that public money should be spent on things that make a real difference. Of course, treating people fairly is important, but does this kind of event actually help? Or is it just a feel-good exercise designed to make the council look good? There are serious questions to be asked about whether this is the best use of taxpayer money.

Workshops like this often follow the same pattern. They talk about inclusion, discrimination and diversity, but do they lead to any real change? Or do they just add to the growing list of expensive programmes that make little difference to ordinary people? Most taxpayers would probably prefer to see their money spent on fixing roads, improving local healthcare or supporting struggling families.

It is time for people in Torbay to ask tough questions. The council needs to explain why it chooses to fund events like this instead of focusing on more urgent issues. Local businesses and residents deserve to know that their money is being used in the best way possible.

So, is this workshop really worth it? Or should the money be spent on things that actually improve daily life for people in Torbay?

Torbay Needs Thousands of New Homes to Meet Government Housing Target

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 21:31:13 GMT

The recent government directive mandating the construction of nearly 1,000 new homes annually in Torbay has sparked significant debate. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner's plan to build 1.5 million properties nationwide over the next five years imposes a uniform solution that may not suit the unique needs of communities like Torbay.

Councillor Adam Billings highlights the importance of collaborating with local communities to develop the local plan. However, enforcing a mandatory target of 940 new homes each year raises concerns about how much local input is genuinely considered in these top-down decisions.

Meeting these targets could lead to the complete development of Torbay over the next 14 years, prompting several critical questions:

Is the existing infrastructure prepared to support such rapid expansion?

What are the environmental consequences of this extensive development?

How will this level of construction impact Torbay's cultural and historical identity?

Within the council, opinions differ. Councillor Darren Cowell dismisses the 940-homes target as 'scaremongering', suggesting that housing targets are not a new concept. This raises the question: Does labelling genuine concerns as scare tactics hinder meaningful discussion on the issue?

On the other hand, Councillor Chris Lewis points out the government's firm stance, indicating there's little flexibility in these mandates. This contrast among local leaders highlights the tension between accepting imposed realities and addressing community worries.

Reform UK proposes a housing policy that prioritises local needs over broad national mandates. Their key suggestions include:

Overhauling the Planning System: Speeding up planning processes and offering tax incentives to develop brownfield sites, thus preserving green spaces and respecting the character of existing communities.

Reforming Social Housing: Changing allocation laws to give priority to local residents and those who have contributed to the system, ensuring housing solutions are tailored to the community's specific needs.

Reflecting on this situation, several points emerge:

Is it practical to apply uniform housing targets across diverse regions without considering local contexts?

How involved are local communities in decisions that directly affect their environment and lifestyle?

What alternative strategies could address housing shortages while aligning more closely with local needs and preserving community integrity?

In summary, while tackling the national housing shortage is essential, it's crucial to balance this with respect for local autonomy and the unique characteristics of communities like Torbay. A more nuanced approach, as advocated by Reform UK, might offer a viable path that aligns national goals with local interests.

Is Torbay Council Truly Democratic?

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 19:14:45 GMT

Torbay Council Clash: Councillor vs. Bureaucracy in Battle Over Accountability

A heated clash between Councillor Katya Maddison and Chief Executive Anne-Marie Bond raises questions around the ability of our local representatives to hold our local bureaucracy to account.

Last year, the dispute began when Maddison reportedly confronted Bond during a discussion about choosing the next civic mayor. Maddison then publicly criticised the council on social media, calling it “a sick institution.”

An independent investigation by Melvin Kenyon found that Maddison’s comments in person weren’t abusive. However, the council’s standards committee ruled that her behaviour still violated the council’s rules about respect and bullying. Despite this, Maddison refused to apologise and may seek legal advice.

The situation raises questions about whether high-ranking officials like Bond, who earns over £150,000 a year (not far behind what the Prime Minister earns!), should face public criticism. Bond herself filed the complaint against Maddison, making the conflict worse.

This issue is part of a larger problem within Torbay Council. Observers say the council is trapped in constant power struggles and petty conflicts. Last July, a mediator was brought in to help, but tensions remain high, with no resolution in sight.

Maddison faces a formal demand to apologise at the next council meeting on February 27. Meanwhile, the council promises to enforce respect and follow its code of conduct.

Reform UK believes that government must serve the people. Bureaucrats in Torbay council should not have the power to discipline an elected representative who has a democratic mandate. The fact that we are not surprised by this behaviour is no excuse.

Reform will work tirelessly to bring the blob under control and return power to the people. Thank you, Katya Maddison, for standing up.

What a Waste! - Spotlight 12th February 2025

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 20:58:44 GMT

Not only are YOU paying ever more in council tax and receiving ever less (think household waste restrictions for example… no wonder unscrupulous people fly-tip to the detriment of our beautiful natural environment) we now find, thanks to BBC Spotlight 12th Feb 2025, that those we elect to represent our views within local council are being reprimanded and intimidated into apologising for speaking their view “shame on you” whilst expressing failings within the existing system. Surely, this is basic level freedom of speech?

The council has spent an undisclosed sum on an independent 42-page report (typifying the offloading of responsibility for decision making to ascertain that the remarks did not breach their code of conduct (could they really not see this for themselves)? Despite this, the council ignored the report and insisted on an apology which is understandably unforthcoming. The BBC reported an eight-hour meeting, episodes of hostility and what appears to be an horrendous waste of OUR (council tax payers) money!

REFORM is tired of your money being wasted! We want to put your money to good use for you! Cut out the bureaucracy and ‘crack on’ with enhancing citizens standards of living, YOUR rights and freedoms rather than funding salaries well in excess of £100,000 for council hierarchy who appear afraid to make a decision and incapable of following recommendations. REFORM are the COMMON SENSE PARTY – acting on behalf of YOU – caring about those of YOU who contribute to society as much as those who rely on society to provide for them. Stop the waste, get value for YOUR MONEY, join the millions throughout the UK who vote REFORM.