To receive any communications or announcements from the:

·         Civic Mayor – this will include a presentation from Brendon Prince, founder of the Above Water charity, asea safety campaigner and the first person to circumnavigate mainland Britain on a paddleboard;

·         Leader of the Council;

·         Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinator;

·         Council’s representative on the Heart of the South West Joint Committee; and

·         Chief Executive.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Torbay welcomed the High Sheriff of Devon and Mr Brendon Prince to the Council Meeting.  Members were advised that Mr Prince, the founder of the Above Water Charity and a sea safety campaigner, was the first person to complete a round trip of mainland Britain on a paddleboard in 141 days – The Long Paddle 2021.  On behalf of the Council, the Worshipful the Mayor of Torbay thanked Mr Prince for his achievement and the High Sheriff of Devon presented Mr Prince with the High Sheriff of Devon’s award in recognition of his achievement and for raising the profile of the importance of sea safety.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Torbay advised members of the recent passing of Mr Tony Key, who was a former Leader of the Council and Freeman of Torbay and offered condolences to Mr Key’s family on behalf of the Council.

The Chief Executive advised members of a serving member of staff, Rob Wills, who had also sadly passed away.  The Chief Executive then led a minute’s silence in memory of both Mr Key and Mr Wills.

The Leader of the Council updated members on:

a)         a joint letter from Torbay, Teignbridge and North Devon’s Council Leaders, sent to the Home Office Secretary of State, highlighting the challenges faced from the shortage of HGV drivers to deliver essential Council Services and requested more flexibility for the recruitment of HGV drivers and to allow for European drivers.  Members were also advised of the Council’s approach to train its own drivers for refuse and recycling collections;

b)         a letter from the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council, sent to Torbay’s MP, on the impact the Government’s changes to Universal Credit would have on those in need Torbay’s communities;  and

c)         a visit to Torbay by colleagues from North Somerset Council which was hosted by Cabinet members and senior officers.  The visit provided an opportunity to share the Council’s best practice in respect of managing the summer season’s pressures and the Council’s investment in regeneration.