News from your MP – September
There’s been a lot happening this month- from huge announcements for Norwich North, to surgeries to help residents with their problems and seeing how new policies are benefitting schools in our local area. Read all about it below!
£20 Million Announced for Norwich North!
Last month the government announced the Pride in Place Programme to help build stronger communities, create thriving places, and empower local people. Having worked hard to put Norwich North on the government’s agenda, I’m pleased that Heartsease and Pilling Park have been selected for £20 million in funding, due to receive £2 million pounds every year, for 10 years.
The best thing about this? Local people deciding how that money is spent. There will be lots of ways to get involved, through consultations, to joining a neighbourhood board, so keep an eye out for more information!
Some BIG Announcements!
Last week I attended the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. There were lots of big announcements that will benefit our area. Here’s just 5 of them…
Clean energy jobs plan – Labour will double the jobs in clean energy sector, and close loopholes that give offshore renewable energy workers fewer rights at work.
NHS Online – Healthcare from your phone, at home, around your schedule. A new chapter in the story of our NHS, slashing wait times, and improving access to healthcare, for everyone.
Libraries in Primaries- Labour is committing to putting libraries in all primary schools around the country – 1,700 of them currently without one – and supporting all of our children to get the best possible start in life.
The Youth Guarantee – College places, apprenticeships, 1-1 support to find a job. But more than that, Labour will ensure that any young person out of work for 18 months will be given a paid work placement, or training.
Transforming Higher and Further education – A new ambition that two thirds of our children either go to university or take on a gold standard apprenticeship.
Doubling provision at Mousehold Nursery
It was great to visit Mousehold Infant and Nursery School, who recently doubled the number of nursery places they offer thanks to their successful application for government funding.
It was a pleasure to see their new nursery room, speak with staff, parents, and the children and hear about how this will positively impact the local community.
The grant is now open to a second round of applications! I’ll be writing to school based nurseries very soon with more information on how to apply.
Out and about in our community
Last month I visited a number of school and education providers, including the Hellesdon Adult Learning Construction Training Centre, White House Farm Primary School, Open Academy, and Sparhawk Infant and Nursery School where I had the pleasure of meeting their school council.
I also had the honour of opening the new dementia hub at Redlands House Care Home, meeting members of the Ovarian Cancer Support Group at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and speaking at the Baton of Hope closing ceremony, and UNESCO City of Literature strategy event.
Thank you to all the organisations and schools that welcomed me over the last month.
In Parliament
Last month I voted for the biggest upgrade in worker’s rights in a generation through the Employment Rights Bill – protection from unfair dismissal and unpaid parental leave from day 1 on the job, no more fire and rehire, no more 0-hour contracts, and a right to bereavement leave – it’s all included!
At the beginning of September, I spoke in the chamber about how devolution will benefit Norfolk, and the positive impact it will bring. You can watch this HERE.
I also asked the Home Secretary how she is working across government and internationally to address the underlying causes of displacement. You can watch this HERE.
My new appointment
Last month I was delighted to announce that I have been appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Cabinet Office.
I look forward to supporting the Secretary of State Darren Jones MP and a great team of Ministers to deliver on the Government’s priorities, coordinate policy, and drive efficiency.
My number one priority will remain serving you and Norwich North.
Here to Help
Following the recent flooding in Hellesdon, I held a roving surgery in the affected area to follow up with residents, provide an update on actions taking place, and offer support with any issues following the incident.
I also held my most recent surgery at the Viking Centre in Sprowston. The dates for my upcoming surgeries are under the events tab on my website, get in touch with my office if you require any support with an issue, or would like to book a place.
My Listening Survey
Have you completed my listening survey yet? Fill it out to help me stay up to date with your priorities both locally and nationally and tell me what you want me to be working on as your MP.
Fill out my survey here: bit.ly/listeningsurvey2025
My Annual Report
Have you seen my annual report yet? You can read about what I’ve been working on in my first year as Norwich North MP HERE.