Torbay Residents Sound Off on Council Tax, Housing, and More

Hospital funding is facing delays. Torbay Liberal Democrats commented on Facebook about this, quoting Kemi Badenoch on unfulfilled promises. She admitted to making announcements without plans. The Liberal Democrats want others to admit mistakes too. Kevin Foster accused them of deflection, stating they now criticize a project he claims they once supported. He believes they helped a Labour government.

Alison Hernandez faces resignation calls as the Police and Crime Commissioner. Devon residents will pay more council tax, causing unhappiness among some. One person questioned her deputy’s cost, while others asked about police service improvements; someone even suggested Hernandez should resign.

Police statistics from 2024 show achievements, including responses to many emergency calls. Torbay Council has a housing scheme converting hotels into homes.

Some worry locals won’t get priority in the housing scheme. One person says the scheme is late, claiming most hotels are already developed.

Police made arrests for drug offenses after a recent operation. One person thinks it’s timed for budget funding. Another gave background, stating the police began the operation last May, including extra town center officers and enforcement officers, and residents are seeing a turnaround.

Cuthbert Mayne School won a competition and will perform Disney’s Frozen. The school is proud of its team.

Closing Factory Row is being debated, as it houses vulnerable populations. Some think it won’t stop antisocial behavior, and some residents want it closed, believing it hurts the town. Others defended it, with one person calling closing it a disaster for the town and stating a local hostel is needed. Others state services are needed to assist, advocating for properly funded services for those struggling, stating closing the hostel will not fix society’s problems.