News from your MP – February
The SEND reform proposals have been published, we have cross-party support of Norfolk MPs pushing for dental training in the East of England, and I’ve been out and about in Norwich to hear from you on how to improve our neighbourhoods.
It’s been a busy month – Read all about it below!
SEND Reforms Proposals
Last week, the Government set out much-needed reforms to fix the SEND system, rebuild confidence for families, ensure young people with SEND get the right support closer to home, and to make every school truly inclusive.
The plans, backed by £4 billion of investment in SEND support will help end the one size fits all education system.
Too many children have been let down for far too long, but I genuinely believe that has begun to change. Please be assured I will continue to scrutinise the details of these proposals and ensure your voice is heard so we get this right and ensure that every child gets the support they need.
Dentistry
I’m pleased that we have cross-party support of Norfolk MPs pushing for dental training in the East of England. I’ve repeatedly called for a new dental school here at UEA to end the dental desert in Norfolk and give residents in Norwich better access to the care they need. I’ll keep pressing for action on this vital part of the picture until we secure the new dental places we need.
Pride in Place
Last month, I hosted two Pride in Place Neighbourhood Meetings in Heartsease and Pilling Park, to gather local people’s thoughts and ideas on how the £20M Pride in Place funding should be spent. Some great ideas came out of both sessions, and I want to thank everyone who attended!
I also chaired the recruitment of the Heartsease and Pilling Park Pride in Place neighbourhood board chair, kickstarting the process to form a neighbourhood board to lead on this fantastic programme.
I still want to hear from you! Keep an eye out for future events, and complete the survey below to have your say on how the money should be spent.
Win for White House Farm Estate!
Progress is being made on our campaign for safer roads on the White House Farm estate. During the community meeting I held last month, inviting local residents to come and hear from Norfolk County Council and the road owners directly, it was announced that both NCC and the housing developers have agreed to grit Atlantic Avenue, and the road leading up to the school moving forward.
There’s still a lot to do with the road adoptions, and I want to reassure you that I have heard all the issues raised in this meeting and will continue to push for resolutions and better homes and safer roads for everyone.
Mile Cross Lloyds Bank Closure
Last month we received the disappointing news that Lloyds plan to close their Aylsham Road branch in June. I wrote to them as soon as possible urging them to rethink their decision, which will particularly impact elderly residents and people who are digitally excluded and have since heard from more local residents and community groups with concerns of how this will impact them.
Alongside local councillor Chrissie Rumsby, I also met with a Lloyds Banking Group representative to follow up on my letter. I know this is an essential asset to many people in Norwich – keep an eye out for more updates!
More In Parliament
I met MSI Defence apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week, and asked the Government how we can better support the next generation of skilled workers in this vital industry.
I also spoke with the Employment Rights Minister to discuss my fertility rights campaign, voted to remove the two child limit, and attended an Action Aid roundtable with a Palestinian delegation to discuss the impact of illegal settlements on their lives and work in the West Bank and what we in the UK can do to support them.
Out and About
I visited a number of businesses and organisations last month, including the ADSA to hear about the work of their Community Champion, City Academy to learn about their work as a Lead Inclusion school, and Norwich Foodbank, attending their Lived Experiences Panel . Thank you to all the organisations that welcomed me last month.
