Steve Darling MP

The unfair cliff-edge rule that meant unpaid carers were punished with penalties after going over the weekly earnings threshold by just a few pence is now set to be abolished, as a new digital taper system will be announced tomorrow in the Budget.

We want an investigation into how the Tower Block at Torbay Hospital got to this state. Whilst I am delighted to have helped to secure the £8 million needed for safety works at the Tower Block, it shouldn't have taken a crisis for the money for the Tower Block to be coughed up by the NHS.

Tomorrow is the Budget, which will make the biggest changes to our economy this year. The Lib Dems are calling for support for people with their bills through a fair deal on energy pricing. For Torbay Hospital, I desperately want to see greater investment in our NHS. #Budget #TorbayHospital

Board games cafe, Nexus Games, in Torquay has just won four awards, including the Rising Phoenix award for Best Community Space in Devon and the Best Board Game Cafe in Devon. It was a delight to visit this week, along with Councillor Swithin Long, and congratulate owner Luke on the awards.

Wolf Barbers have recently moved from Hele Road to Market Street in Torquay to new premises, as their businesses has grown significantly. I am delighted that my team and I were able to help Wolf Barbers with issues they were having with their electricity meter, which allowed them to open.

£8 million has now been allocated to make the Tower Block at Torbay Hospital safe. I am still campaigning for the hospital rebuild to be urgently brought forward, and you can sign my petition here: www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/campaigns/ho... #TorbayHospital

We only lost Goodrington with Roselands by 100 votes four years ago. That’s why it was great to see the team out today in the patch, but with a potential snap general election in December, we need all hands on deck to put us in the best position for the general or locals next year. #Torbay

Violence against women and girls and anti-social behaviour are both serious issues on public transport. Last week I met with Graham Vidler, the CEO of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, to discuss their charter on this issue.

The weather played a significant part of today’s result but, at least, Torquay United drew against a team at the top of the league. And Jennie enjoyed meeting Octavia, one of the stewards, whose name comes from Ancient Greek and Roman legends! #Torbay #Torquay #Paignton #torbayweekly #yellowarmy

The damp weather isn’t dampening the spirits of Plainmoor today as Torquay United take on Maidstone. #yellowarmy #Torbay #Torquay #Paignton #torbayweekly #TorbayHour #BoostTorbay #brixham #CommunityMatters #southdevonyellowarmy

Here's what I've been up to this week in Torbay and Parliament... #Torbay #Torquay #Paignton #torbayweekly #TorbayHour #BoostTorbay #brixham #CommunityMatters #southdevon

Health Equals shared with me some shocking statistics about Torbay this week. There is a large disparity in life expectancy across Torbay, with life expectancy for the average man being 80 in Wellswood but 73 in Torquay town centre.

Poor postal services in Torbay cannot continue to go on. This is far from the posties' fault, Royal Mail need to be held to account by the government. This week I spoke in a Westminster Hall Debate to press the government to hold Royal Mail to account to improve their service in Torbay.

Torbay's hospitality and tourism industries are outstanding; however, they are currently under threat from the potential Tourism tax. There is a serious issue of the current lack of details concerning the tax, for example if this tax will be on top of Accomodation Business Improvement Districts?

After Jennie was attacked by an X Bully a few years ago, I now have a renewed understanding of how important responsible dog ownership is. Yesterday I celebrated and promoted the launch of the Dog Ownership Guide by Dog's Trust in Parliament.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for Storm Austen, with strong winds and gusts that could exceed 80mph in coastal areas of the South West. As a result, fewer trains will run, including the following changes: You can check your journey here: www.gwr.com/travel-infor...

Lumo has seen success with its routes between London and Scotland and hopes to replicate that with a new route in the South West between Paddington and Paignton. The proposal features 5 trains each way, with stops at Paignton, Torquay, and Torre, alongside other stations before Paddington.

With one week until the Autumn Budget, a reminder that I'm meeting with local businesses next Friday afternoon to discuss what it might mean for them, and how I can campaign in Parliament to support them. If you are interested in attending, please email steve.darling.mp@parliament.uk

Trafalgar Day celebrates Vice-Admiral Nelson's victory against the French and Spanish on this day in 1805. Did you know Nelson visited Torre Abbey in Torquay during the Napoleonic wars? Torre Abbey is open 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday. www.torre-abbey.org.uk/plan-your-vi...

Torbay Hospital is in crisis and the government is ignoring it. Today I asked the Hospitals Minister to meet with me after the fire service and the CQC have served legal notice on the Hospital's Tower Block, placing over 100 hospital beds at risk of closure. #TorbayHospital

18% of children from the most deprived part of the country never visit the natural environment or spend meaningful time out of doors. That's why I'm supporting my colleague Caroline Voaden MP's bill to give children outdoor education. #Nature #Education

In recent years, the cost of living has skyrocketed, causing extra pressure on hard-working individuals. Last Tuesday, I met with Torbay residents Andrew and Rebecca in Parliament at the Cost of Living Action mass lobby.

Ahead of the Budget, I have written to the Chancellor after meeting with many local businesses who have asked for help with utility bills, VAT and employment costs. I have urged the Chancellor to implement a 5p VAT cut to hospitality, as well as to reconsider the upcoming tourism tax.

Shops and restaurants on Winner Street in Paignton are still open despite the roadworks! Istanbul on Winner Street is an incredible restaurant and takeaway. You can pop in and support this fantastic local restaurant. #WinnerStreet #Paignton

With almost 1 million unemployed young people in the UK, it is vital that young people have the opportunity to gain skills and experience for employment. Coach Core are looking to establish sports apprenticeships in Torbay and this week I met with them and Active Devon, to discuss the next steps.

Here's what I've been up to this week, with a busy week in Parliament and holding the government to account over the safety of Torbay Hospital... #Torbay #Torquay #Paignton #torbayweekly #TorbayHour #BoostTorbay #brixham #CommunityMatters #southdevon

Today, Saturday, it's 12 year-old Owain's second annual charity walk for Torbay Bikers for Kids. Once again it's in memory of his late step-dad, Chris Wheeler, who supported our charity, and Owain and his friend is following his example. www.gofundme.com/f/owain-and-... #Torbay #Torquay #Paignton

Paignton Heritage Society runs fascinating talks about our history. This week I attended David Hinchliffe's excellent talk on WW1 hospitals and their influence on Agatha Christie. You can find out more about the society including their upcoming events here: www.paigntonheritagesociety.co.uk

Having spent more than 30 years serving the people of Torbay, my regular MP surgeries continue to be a great way of hearing and talking through with people challenges in their lives. This morning we heard from people who were facing difficulties as a family and cuts in services to most vulnerable.

Therapeutic Support Services do an amazing job running the Parent's Support Hub at Parkfield. The Hub is a place for parents whose children have severe mental health challenges to come and get support from other parents who are experiencing the same thing.

It was a pleasure to visit Lift Barton Hill Primary School to present the newly elected student representatives from each class with their certificates. Student leaders at the school take on the voices of their classes and talk to teachers about the things that matter to them.

Torbay Hospital needs urgent investment. Now that a fire safety notice has been served on the Tower Block, the government cannot wait any longer. Sign my petition here for the government to bring forward the rebuild of the Hospital. www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/campaigns/ho... #TorbayHospital #NHS

Torbay Hospital needs your help. Sign my petition to help bring forward essential investment to secure the future of the Hospital: www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/campaigns/ho...

Police cars are often the first emergency response vehicle at the scene, but are not always equipped with life saving equipment, such as defibrillators. I have been working with the OurJay Foundation for Jamie’s Law, which would require every police vehicle to carry a defibrillator.

Torbay Hospital has been issued a notice that it is unsafe by the Fire Service and the Care Quality Commission. Today I reiterated my plea for £8 million urgently and to avoid services moving out of Torbay and South Devon, and asked the Minister to meet with me again to discuss this.

Torbay Hospital has now received a fire enforcement notice in relation to floors 4 to 8 of the main Tower Block, and a warning notice from the CQC. The government’s failure to adequately invest in the Hospital has created this disaster. That’s why I have written again to the Health Secretary.

The triple lock is our strongest tool in tackling pensioner poverty. It has nearly eradicated the state pension gender gap and will lay a solid foundation for those saving for their retirement today. The Government have announced plans to change this, and it's still unclear what the impact will be.

After a six year investigation the Parliamentary Ombudsman concluded that 1950s-born women suffered unjust failures to inform them of State Pension age changes. But two and a half years later, those affected are still campaigning for justice.

Cockington Court is one of our gems that makes Torbay so special. We have real concerns about proposals from the Conservative Run Council to effectively privatise Cockington Court. www.torbay.gov.uk/news/pr9576/ www.torbay.gov.uk/DemocraticSe... (pages 15-22)

The government have announced funding for apprenticeships in areas with elected mayors, but in Torbay and across Devon and Cornwall we do not have a directly elected mayor, so our young people will be unable to benefit from this scheme.

Last week, Active Devon organised a Torbay on the Move Network Day to tackle Youth Unemployment. I was delighted to meet with Hannah Worth from Active Devon, along with Local Motion and the Coastal Navigators' Network.

I was honoured to speak at the Medics' Annual General Meeting at Torbay Hospital on Friday. I focused on the wonderful culture the staff have at the Hospital, one of compassion and support for colleagues and patients, as I hear from residents across Torbay.

@eddavey.libdems.org.uk identified the NHS, the Cost of Living and Sewage as core priorities at the last general election, and these continue to resonate with Torbay residents. I look forward to Ed's continuing firm hand on the tiller.

It’s very sad for me that 12 months ago the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust was here who looked after the crown jewels of Torbay. How disappointing they are no longer with us however, apple day continues to be an incredible community event. #Torbay #Torquay #Paignton #torbayweekly #TorbayHour

Recently, I heard concerns from constituents that the number 60 bus route no longer serves Occombe farm. After I contacted Torbay Council, they confirmed that they would be contracting the route to Torbay Buses as of November 2nd as the number 26 route, which will add the Occombe farm stop back.

Occombe farm has long been an amazing community asset. It is important that kids and adults in Torbay have access to this space. Earlier this week, I met with the team at new owners Greendale to discuss their exciting new offer planned for the farm, including a new farm shop soon to open.

Torbay Hospital remains my number one priority. Those efforts have already contributed to Torbay securing £1.8 million for immediate safety improvements, but with Parliament returning I will be pushing for more, including at least £8 million to improve fire compartmentalisation across wards.

Torbay Chess Club is held every Tuesday 6pm to 9pm at the Anchor in Paignton Harbour. I visited this week and spoke about the importance of chess in improving thinking and analytical skills, as well as the community the chess club provides. All skill levels and ages are welcome at the club.

I am now running a petition calling on the government and Torbay Council to reduce waiting times for identifying, assessing and meeting children's needs. You can sign here: www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/campaigns/se...

The Scouts are an amazing institute, helping to build a strong community of young people. I know both my sons benefitted hugely from being part of the scouts and still have many close friends from there. This week I visited the Cub Scouts at 6th Torbay Britannia Sea Scouts.