This week, the new Labour government has delivered yet another packed agenda in Parliament.
After 40 years of failed deregulation and falling passenger numbers, we are putting power over bus services back into the hands of local leaders and communities.
We have introduced our Budget Responsibility Bill, which will make sure that there can never be a repeat of Liz Truss’ disastrous mini-budget.
We have brought new protections for renters and banned no fault evictions for good.
Our Prime Minister Keir Starmer has set out his 10-year plan to rebuild our NHS for good, committing to work with NHS staff, experts and patients to deliver the biggest reimagining of the NHS since its birth. You can read the Darzi report here.
Keir Starmer has also set up a new Coalition to Tackle Knife crime, bringing together politicians, families of victims, young people and community leaders to drive forward Labour’s mission to take back our streets and half knife crime in the next decade.
Exempt debate
This week, I secured a debate on exempt accommodation, after years of dealing with various issues linked to these properties across the constituency.
In 2021, I conducted a spot check of an exempt property housing vulnerable residents – Saif Lodge – in North Edgbaston and was horrified what I found. I discovered 25 men and women, including ex-offenders, housed with severe issues ranging from addiction and substance misuse to mental health problems with only one support worker on duty. The hostel was manned only on weekdays, and the conditions were cold, filthy and cramped.
I was then successful in working with the community and the police to shut Saif Lodge down. Although, there are still so many properties currently operating in conditions similar to Saif Lodge. Over the past decade, too many bad landlords have been getting into this sector for precisely the wrong reasons. They have exploited under-regulation, a Conservative housing crisis, and an epidemic of unmet need after years of council cuts.
I called this debate because after years of inaction and stalled progress under the previous government, I’m keen now to see fit for purpose regulations introduced to finally deal with this issue.
You can watch my full speech here:
APNA Conference
It was great to speak at the Apna NHS conference today at the University of Warwick.
It's really important that we work together to tackle workplace and health inequalities in the NHS.
World School Milk Day
It was great to meet with Dr Hilary Jones and School Milk Alliance and hear about the benefits milk has for children. It is good for children’s oral health, provides essential nutrients for a growing child, and can assist with obesity.
Fairtrade
It was great to meet with Fairtrade this week in Parliament. As a Labour & Co- op MP, I am committed to doing everything I can to make sure trade, development and climate policies contribute to a fairer future that benefits all.
Coalition for Global Prosperity
It was nice to chat to Coalition for Global Prosperity in Parliament this week. I’m very glad to see the government working to restore Britain’s reputation on the world stage.
Local News
Speeding
Statistics published this week have identified Hagley Road, Bristol Road, Ridgacre Road and Shenley Lane as some of the worst roads in Birmingham for speeding drivers.
I know that for so many of my constituents, speeding is a serious concern and residents do not feel safe. We urgently need more measures in place to prevent reckless driving.
Everyone should be able to feel safe on our roads. I am working with leaders in our city and region to address this.
Pension credit
I know many of my constituents have written to me concerned about paying energy bills this winter.
If you are struggling with your bills, I will support you to receive any of the support to which you are entitled. I know that there is a poor take-up of Pension Credit among those entitled to it, with nearly 40% of pensioners in Edgbaston who should be receiving this benefit missing out.
Please do check if you are eligible for pension credit if you think you or a family member may be eligible. The simplest way to check eligibility is to visit https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim or by calling 0800 99 1234 (the Pension Credit claim line is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).
The Household Support Fund has also been extended for the next six months, representing a £421 million boost for local authorities in England to help people most in need with the cost of their energy, food and water. You can find out more about how to apply to the Household Support Fund by visiting https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50274/cost_of_living_support/2497/household_support_fund_2023_to_2024. To express your interest in this payment, you can also call 0121 634 7100.
If you have any questions or need any further help, please contact me directly on 0121 392 8426, or email me at preet.gill.mp@parliament.uk. If you would like us to call you instead, please provide your phone number and we will be happy to do so.
MHWC
On Tuesday, 17th September, the MHWC will be visiting Shipbourne Close, Harborne, B32 2LH. The centre will be open between 7:30am and 1pm, so please do come along if you have bulky household waste to dispose of.
Childcare
From September, parents with a child from age 9-months-old will be able to access 15 hours of free childcare support. Applications are now open. Find out more by following the link below.
Advice surgeries
There have been some updates to my advice surgeries. Please consult the new list below.
Best wishes,
Preet Kaur Gill MP
Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton
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