Better healthcare and more local jobs are key priorities for me. So too is better housing, improving renters’ rights and helping people get on the housing ladder.
Last week I welcomed the publication of the highly anticipated Renters Reform Bill. This bill seeks to create fairer and more secure tenancies for renters together with additional powers for landlords to tackle anti-social behaviour by tenants. I also met with Generation Rent to discuss the problems renters face and what can be done to improve things. This week I am seeing Shelter and landlords groups to hear their views on the reforms.
There are so many important provisions in the Renters Reform Bill. These include abolishing the unfair Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and new legal rights for renters to keep pets. Poor quality private rental sector housing can have an appalling impact on physical and mental health. Lack of security in your home has a huge impact too. That’s why the changes the Renters Reform Bill will make are so important.
Also on housing, I chaired the first of a regular policy session to discuss issues and ideas around Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. It was great to be joined this week by Sir Peter Bottomley for a thoughtful discussion on increasing routes to home ownership.
On healthcare, I am continuing to represent constituents and our local hospitals at the cross-party Parliamentary AGM for Baby Loss as well as pressing for much-needed maternity improvements. This week also marked Dementia Action Week, where I was able to learn more about the importance of early Dementia diagnosis. It has also been Mental Health Awareness Week. In Parliament, I contributed to the Wall of Wellness – it was interesting to see different relaxation techniques and hobbies. I wrote on the wall about how my hobbies of song writing and scrabble help me to relax.
Last week I held another of my regular MP surgeries. It’s important to meet with constituents where serious issues have arisen. I have a fantastic team of caseworkers who work very hard for everyone locally – helping constituents to access help and support. I have also been working on our roads – pressing for better signage for lorries getting lost and causing damage in Aycliffe, as well as Port preparations for the May half-term getaway. I was very impressed visiting TechFort on Dover’s Western Heights to see the redevelopment taking place to create an inspiring technology and creative hub, bringing new opportunities, jobs and greater prosperity.
Standing up for better healthcare, celebrating job creation in our area and improving renters’ rights and routes to home ownership. It’s a busy job and there is so much to campaign for to improve lives in our area. That’s why it’s such a great privilege to serve as your Member of Parliament.
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