Rate your roads in my new 2 – minute survey!
Constituents across Luton South and South Bedfordshire often get in touch to share concerns about road conditions in their local area, especially regarding potholes.
The Government is taking action to improve road conditions across the country by introducing a £7.3 billion multi-year funding settlement for Local Highway Authorities, as well as a new rating system so residents know how well their local authority is spending money allocated to fix potholes.
This month I was glad to launch my survey to hear from local residents on the condition of roads in their local area and to have the Leader of the House join me in encouraging residents to complete this!
Watch below!
Meeting with the Communities Minister
I was glad to meet with Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Minister for Faith and Communities, recently to discuss community cohesion in Luton.
Over the past year, we have seen a worrying rise in antisemitism, racism and Islamophobia.
I know this has caused anxiety for many in our communities, so I was pleased to take this opportunity to discuss these issues and the Government’s ongoing work on social cohesion with the Minister.
I will continue to raise local voices, work with Ministers, and champion our town’s diversity, unity and community spirit.
Launching my new ‘Community Thank You’!
This month I launched my new ‘Community Thank You’ cards to celebrate all the people and organisations in Luton South and South Bedfordshire who have a positive impact on our communities.
Whether it’s a local charity, helpful neighbour, community organisation or employee, I want to know who you think deserves recognition for the ways they make our area a better place. There is no effort too big or too small!
Supporting LTFC in Parliament
In Parliament this month I was glad to praise the brilliant work being done by Luton Town Football Club to call out and tackle racist online abuse.
It’s extremely disappointing that both players and management still have to deal with these awful comments, and I stand with them against such hatred.
I will continue to use opportunities in Parliament to raise issues of racism and online abuse, and I am pleased that the Online Safety Act is set to put more safeguards in place against harmful content.
Read more about my contribution in Parliament and the Club’s efforts here: https://bbc.in/4sKbaul
Back my call to tackle pavement parking in Luton!
Inconsiderate parking is an issue local residents regularly raise with me, so I welcome our Labour Government’s decision to give local councils greater powers to enforce against pavement parking.
Pavement parking is a nuisance but it can also be dangerous, especially for older people, parents with children, and those with disabilities.
Want to join me in encouraging Luton Council to embrace these new powers to enforce against pavement parking at the earliest opportunity?
Sign my petition now!
Road Safety Strategy
The Government has launched its new road safety strategy, the first in 10 years, to cut deaths and serious injuries on our roads by 65% by 2035.
This will bring:
- Tougher action on drink and drug driving
- Better road design and speed management
- New mandatory safety technologies for vehicles
People in Luton South and South Bedfordshire often get in touch with me about road safety concerns, so I’m glad we are delivering this ambitious strategy to make our roads safer for everyone.
Read more and find the consultations on five key road safety issues here: Road safety strategy – GOV.UK
Watch my question to the Minister on how this Strategy will tackle drug driving below!
Support for Bedfordshire Police
Bedfordshire Police face rising demand and increasingly complex issues, especially due to high levels of serious and organised crime.
Alongside using new technology and AI to improve efficiency, it relies on special grant support to continue to keep people in our communities safe.
I recently asked the Home Secretary for assurances that these grants will be protected for Bedfordshire Police, and for more information about when they will become available.
Good news for the NHS!
Newly released NHS stats show that waiting lists fell by 86,000 across November, bringing the total fall to 312,000 since this Government was elected in July 2024.
I’m pleased that this includes a fall of 15,000 across Bedfordshire, meaning more people in our area can access healthcare faster when they need it.
I also welcome the Government’s announcement of the revolutionary NHS Online, a new service that will further help to cut waiting lists and make care more accessible for people across Luton South and South Bedfordshire.
We are protecting the NHS, ensuring it is always there when you need it, and taking action to combat healthcare inequality by increasing choice and ending the postcode lottery for access to care.
Find out more here: NHS England » Menopause and prostate conditions prioritised for NHS’s new online hospital
Meeting with our Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner
I was glad to meet with Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard to discuss funding and resourcing for Bedfordshire Police, as well as receiving an update on their current winter safety campaign and a general update on policing in Luton South and South Bedfordshire.
Local accountability, community engagement, and place-based policing are crucial in delivering police services that keep us all safe. I’m pleased to see that the Government is committed to prioritising this throughout recently announced major reforms to policing.
This Government is making sure police services work for us all, with sufficient resources and the right structures to deal with rising local and serious crime.
Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/white-paper-sets-out-reforms-to-policing
Warm Homes Plan
The Government recently launched the Warm Homes Plan- the biggest investment in home upgrades in British history.
The Plan will:
- Target support at low-income households, lifting up to 1 million families out of fuel poverty by tackling long term energy costs.
- Help millions of families access clean power upgrades including solar panels, batteries, heat pumps and insulation that can cut energy bills.
- Provide greater protection for renters by ensuring landlords upgrade properties so they are safe, warm and affordable for tenants.
Under the previous Government, home insultation installations fell by more than 90% over 14 years, and millions of households have paid higher energy bills as a result.
I was pleased to welcome this record public investment alongside the Secretary of State and highlight how it will help people here in Luton South and South Bedfordshire.
Green Bridge Community Housing
Lovely to cut the ribbon to officially open the new Green Bridge Community Housing office alongside Mayor of Luton Cllr Amy Nicholls.
It was great to speak to Lisa and the team about the important work they do providing tailored accommodation and support to help those in our community who may be experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, or a range of other needs.
I also enjoyed joining Jackie on their podcast recently for a great discussion about all things Luton, getting involved in our community and local politics, and some of the issues that matter most to our town.
Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/OuIqzniindk?si=DLyiIKB-RgBuyJNB
Major leasehold reform
The Government just announced major reforms to the leasehold system, standing up for leaseholders and helping to tackle the cost of living.
We are capping ground rents at £250 annually, unlocking savings for up to 900,000 people nationwide. New protections against forfeiture will also be introduced, as well as moves towards the banning of new leasehold flats in the future.
I am very pleased to welcome these measures which will be crucial in making things more affordable for leaseholders in Luton South and South Bedfordshire and across the country.
Attending the University of Bedfordshire Business School Graduation
Brilliant to join the University of Bedfordshire Business School graduation!
As a member of the University Court, I am always proud to support the University and its important contributions to our town.
Uni of Beds’ career-ready approach is absolutely crucial in setting up the next generation for success, not only academically but also with the key skills and experiences needed to thrive in the world of work.
Arts Everywhere!
Arts and culture should be for everyone- in every region across the country and accessible to all.
That’s why I’m pleased the Government has pledged to invest £1.5 billion in cultural organisations like museums, libraries, art galleries and heritage sites over the next five years.
This investment will be crucial in protecting and restoring over 1,000 venues, keeping alive the culture that unites communities, strengthens our national and regional identities, and broadens opportunities for our young people.
Find out more here: Government announces bumper £1.5 billion package to restore national pride – GOV.UK
Welcoming the Government’s clean energy investment
This month the Government announced a record-breaking auction securing over 8 gigawatts of wind power.
This is a huge step in our clean power mission and will provide:
- Enough power for 12 million homes
- 7,000 jobs
- £22bn investment
I was glad to join the Secretary of State in welcoming this brilliant news which will boost our energy security, provide thousands of good jobs, and help to reduce energy costs here in Luton South and South Bedfordshire.