Weekly Update - 2 November |
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Dear John I hope you've had a good week. Apologies this newsletter is a bit late reaching you. Here's what I've been up to over this past week. |
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This Week the Government Announced... |
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Renters Rights Act becomes law! |
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11 million private renters will gain most significant increase to their rights in a generation thanks to the Government's Renters Right Act which became law this week. This law means:
End to Section 21 evictions and a move to a simpler tenancy structure where all assured tenancies are periodic. Strengthened rights for tenants to request a pet in the property, which the landlord must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse. To support this, landlords will be able to require pet insurance to cover any damage to their property. Stronger protections against backdoor eviction by ensuring tenants are able to appeal excessive above-market rents which are purely designed to force them out. New Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman that will provide quick, fair, impartial and binding resolution for tenants’ complaints about their landlord. Private Rented Sector Database to help landlords understand their legal obligations and demonstrate compliance (giving good landlords confidence in their position), alongside providing better information to tenants to make informed decisions when entering into a tenancy agreement. Decent Homes Standard applied to the private rented sector to give renters safer, better value homes and remove the blight of poor-quality homes in local communities. Awaab’s Law applied to the sector, setting clear legal expectations about the timeframes within which landlords must take action to make homes safe where they contain serious hazards. Illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against prospective tenants in receipt of benefits or with children – helping to ensure everyone is treated fairly when looking for a place to live. End to practice of rental bidding by prohibiting landlords and agents from asking for or accepting offers above the advertised rent. Landlords and agents will be required to publish an asking rent for their property and it will be illegal to accept offers made above this rate. Local authority enforcement strengthened by expanding civil penalties, introducing a package of investigatory powers and bringing in a new requirement for local authorities to report on enforcement activity.
For decades, the scales have been tipped against tenants. This historic Act changes that.
I will be paying close attention to ministers outlining how these reforms will be rolled out in the coming weeks. |
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20,000 jobs supported through Türkiye typhoon deal |
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The Government has secured an export deal with Türkiye for 20 Typhoon fighter jets in a deal worth up to £8 billion, another example of how the government is making the UK an engine for growth. This is the first export order the UK has secured for Typhoon since 2017 and is the largest UK fighter jet exports order since 2007 – the biggest for a generation - and will help strengthen Türkiye’s capabilities, bolstering NATO’s strength in a key region. The deal will help to sustain a 20,000 strong UK wide workforce, with production lines in Scotland, Lancashire and Bristol – as the Government delivers a defence dividend measured in good jobs across Britain’s communities. It comes just weeks after the UK’s Type 26 frigates were selected by Norway, adding a further £10 billion to Britain’s economy and securing 4,000 jobs. The government has also created the Office of Defence Exports, bringing responsibility for defence under the control of the MOD to take a more strategic approach. Under 14 years of the previous government, UK companies were at a disadvantage when competing on the international stage, with an approach that was slow and not joined up. This Government is backing British industry, British jobs and British innovation through our Defence Industrial Strategy supported by more than £700m of investment. |
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Reforms to improve women's health |
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Too often, women's experience of menopause has been minimised or misunderstood. Three quarters of women experience symptoms which can last an average of seven years and significantly impact daily life. Yet fewer than one in ten feel they have enough information to deal with it. The government have listened to incredible women's health campaigners and have announced a major NHS update to bring menopause into routine health checks for millions of women.
That means menopause questions and help will be included in NHS health checks for the first time - raising awareness of symptoms and giving women the confidence to seek help.
The addition of dedicated questions to NHS Health Checks - which are free health assessments offered to adults in England aged 40-74 every five years - will benefit nearly 5 million women. Moreover, this week the government also changed the rules so that women in need of free emergency contraception no longer have to see their GP or attend a sexual health clinic, it will be available for free across pharmacies in England. Some pharmacies were previously charging as much as £30 for emergency oral contraception. This move means that no matter their financial situation, women will have more autonomy over their body and easier access to women's healthcare. |
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On Monday, the Victims and Courts Bill passed its next stage in the House of Commons. This Bill delivers long overdue reforms to protect victims and rebuild their confidence in our justice system.
The Bill will ensure offenders have to face up to the consequences of their actions by attending court and not disrupting hearings. The government will also provide greater protection for children by automatically restricting parental responsibility for child sex offenders sentenced for four years or more for an offence against a child for whom they hold parental responsibility. The Bill also creates an automatic restriction on the exercise of parental responsibility for offenders who father a child through rape. The Bill also includes provisions to improve communication with victims following their offender's conviction. A new dedicated Victim Helpline will be established where victims can request information.
Separately, the government also scrapped the £318 'Person at Risk of Violence' Order charge this week.
Previously, domestic abuse survivors couldn't ask for debt assistance without publishing their name and address, or paying for this order.
Victims, trying to rebuild their lives, were being put at risk or were financially penalised. This government is on the side of victims and has put this right by scrapping the fee. |
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£4 million to help aid distribution in Gaza |
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As part of the government’s push for unrestricted aid access to Gaza, new funding will help clear the 7,500 tonnes of unexploded munitions which is currently preventing the safe passage of aid to Palestine £4 million for the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) will surge in experts to help clear land mines, cluster bombs and munitions to help protect Palestinians and aid workers.
Read more here.
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Putting British businesses first |
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As part of the government's Industrial Strategy, around 500 of the UK’s most energy-intensive companies including those in steelmaking and manufacturing are set to save up to £420 million every year on energy bills from next April. This is a major step towards strengthening UK industry, protecting jobs, and ensuring our manufacturing sector remains globally competitive while supporting our transition to cleaner, more efficient energy use.
Read more here. |
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Government win court battle over leasehold reform |
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The High Court comprehensively dismissed challenges brought against the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 this week, following a robust defence from the government. This excellent news means these reforms to make it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to extend their lease or buy their freehold can be implemented. The government remains unwavering in its commitment to bring the feudal leasehold system to an end.
Read more here. |
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The government has announced that there will not be a public inquiry into the Birmingham pub bombings. Instead, justice can be sought through the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery. This process has teeth. The commission is independent of government, can call witnesses, and has powers of arrest. However, I completely understand the apprehension from campaigners who have been seeking a public inquiry for years. I have called on Home Office officials and ministers to meet with campaigners to hear their concerns so we can ensure this process delivers the justice Birmingham is due. I would also be happy to meet with Justice for the 21 campaigners myself to make sure we get this right. Listen to my interview with Ed James on BBC Radio WM today: |
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It’s a deeply worrying time for the Sikh community following another horrific racially aggravated rape of a young sikh woman in Walsall, the second such case after Oldbury.
On Tuesday, MPs met with Sikh community members to discuss how we tackle anti-Sikh hate. It is crucial Sikhs, along with Jews, are recorded as ethnic groups by public bodies so we can identify the scale of the problem.
Watch my interview with BBC Midlands Today: |
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I also spoke to ITV Central: |
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And Sarah Julian on BBC Radio West Midlands: |
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1914 Sikhs Ceremonial Marching Troop |
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It was a real honour to attend and deliver a speech at the inauguration of the 1914 Sikhs Ceremonial Troop, commemorating the service and sacrifice of Sikh soldiers from the Great War to the present day.
As an Ambassador of the Sikh Military Foundation, I am proud to support this initiative, they are a bridge between generations.
This troop does not belong only to the Sikh community. It speaks to shared British values of duty, loyalty, & sacrifices. As I said in my speech: “The story of the Sikh soldier reminds us to serve with honour, lead with courage, and always stand for what is right.” My thanks to Major Daljinder Singh Virdee MBE VR RAMS and the Sikh Military Foundation for their tireless work preserving Sikh military heritage and ensuring this proud legacy continues to inspire new generations. Read my full speech here. |
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Speaking to residents on Kyles Way |
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It was great to speak with residents on Kyle’s Way about the government's £20 million ‘Pride in Place’ funding for the local area. I’ve fought for this community every step of the way. This is an area that has faced real deprivation and neglect. Now, with this investment, we have a chance to transform our neighbourhood, restore pride, and deliver the change local people deserve.
I want to hear from residents about your priorities and ideas for how we make this funding count. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing ways for you to get involved.
Our community in Bartley Green will not be left behind under this government.
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Road safety on Clapgate Lane |
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I have been working with the council to improve road safety on Clapgate Lane. I am pleased that this week works commenced on a Local Safety Scheme aimed at reducing speeding, improving road safety, and protecting pedestrians.
See my letter about the changes above.
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West Boulevard speed camera |
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After years of campaigning, the average speed camera I secured for B4121 West Boulevard is being rolled out. In 2021, I ran a speeding survey across Quinton and Bartley Green after many residents raised concerns about the risks of dangerous driving. Over 350 people took part, giving us the evidence we needed to present a strong case to West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council.
This effort has always been about saving lives. The devastating loss of Lucy Atkins, a 20-year-old student who was tragically killed while walking her dog on West Boulevard in June 2024, underscored just how urgent this issue is. The new speed camera is a crucial step toward preventing future tragedies.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supported and contributed to this campaign.
Read more here. |
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I am hiring a Personal Assistant in my London parliamentary office. If you think you'd be a good fit, see how to apply here. |
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Opportunity for local independent hospitality businesses |
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Up to 36 street food businesses in the West Midlands are to receive free training, mentoring, and live trading opportunities as part of a new six-month programme to develop the next generation of traders. The Street Food Incubator Pilot, led by industry experts Digbeth Dining Club (DDC) and the Nationwide Caterers Association (NCASS), is backed by Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). Connecting with the ongoing success of the UK’s flourishing street food industry, currently valued at £1.2bn, the pilot will help to drive important sources of employment and contributions to the everyday economy by onboarding a significant number of businesses. Street food is recognised as a key area within hospitality, leisure, and NTE, growing at around 20% year-on-year, offering adaptability, low overheads and flexible locations for some 7,000 traders currently operating across the country. According to recent research, 50% of UK consumers buy from a street food van at least once a week, with 64% are willing to spend more than the average daily lunch on street food. The partnership between DDC and NCASS will see all aspects of preparation for trading for pilot participants delivered, including registering a business, insurance, safety management, HR and training through to operational, business and development skills. For more information, or to apply, please visit the NCASS website. |
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8 things the Government delivered that you might have missed last week |
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🥣Partnership with British businesses like Weetabix, Morrisons, Sainsburys and Magic Breakfast so that free breakfast clubs can get nutritious food for less.
🏠Renters' Rights Bill passed its final parliamentary stages, making renting fairer, more secure and more affordable by banning no-fault evictions and ending rental bidding wars.
🎓Re-wiring the post-16 education system, with new V levels to support young people’s aspirations and abilities and grow our economy. ✂️The Chancellor announced a blitz on bureaucracy, promising to save businesses £6 billion a year by the end of the Parliament by slashing needless red tape. 🛑Water companies could face penalties of up to £500,000 under new proposals to make it easier and quicker to penalise minor to moderate environmental offences. 👩🏭 Clean Energy Jobs Plan will deliver over 400,000 new jobs in clean energy industries across the country between now and 2030. 🤝 Following the appalling attack on Peacehaven Mosque, the government increased support for Muslim communities by providing a £10 million uplift to vital security measures including CCTV alarm systems and secure fencing around Mosques and faith centres. 💼 Nearly a thousand jobs and over £10 billion in investment for communities across Britain announced at the first ever Regional Investment Summit, held at Edgbaston Stadium!
As always, if you have an issue you'd like to discuss, please contact my office at 0121 392 8426 or [email protected], or through my website.
In November, my surgeries will take place on the following dates:
Friday 7th November
10:30-11:30am: St. Germain's Church, City Road, B17 9LE 3:30-4:30pm: City Road Primary School (City Road Entrance), B16 0HL 5:15-6:30pm: Quinborne Centre, Ridgeacre Road, B32 2TW 7:00-8:00pm: Lordswood Girls School, Knightlow Road, B17 8QB
Thursday 13th November 10:30-11:30am: Edgbaston Community Centre, 40 Woodview Drive, B15 2HU 12:00-1:00pm: Newman University, Genners Lane, B32 3NT
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Preet Kaur Gill MP Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton Promoted by David Evans on behalf of the Labour Party, 20 Rushworth Street, London SE1 0SS |
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Follow Preet Kaur Gill MP | |
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