HUGE congratulations to everyone who recently collected their exam results (and to the parents, guardians and teachers!) – best of luck for your new chapter.
Parliament is back in session, following a productive few weeks hiring a team, getting things set up, working with my team on 672 cases for local residents, canvassing to hear priorities, and meeting community organisations.
In just 10 days back in Westminster, our new government has made great headway, including with new legislation to:
• Bring our railways into public ownership
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Set up Great British Energy to provide energy security and to help get bills down
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Tackle the sewage scandal and hold water bosses to account
• Reform renters’ rights
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Give local leaders and communities control over bus services
I’ve raised other local issues too, including asking a question in the Commons on HMOs and securing a meeting with the Housing Minister.
I met the chief executive of NHS England and discussed access to local services. I also met with GWR to do the same.
I got into politics to help right the wrong that sees someone’s background too often determine their life chances and life choices, and am now part of the leadership of a cross-party group, backed by Martin Lewis, focusing on financial education for young people.
It’ll take time to deliver the scale of the change that our community and country needs. Our new government inherited a dire £22 billion gap in this year’s public finances, requiring the Chancellor to take tough decisions following a Treasury audit.
One of these is that it is no longer feasible for Winter Fuel Payments to be given out to all retirees, regardless of income.
As things have stood, even the very wealthiest retirees – including millionaires – have been able to receive this extra money from the government.
I’m grateful to have heard from a range of people on this issue, including some local retirees who have told me they would rather this went to those who need it, and into our public services, including the NHS.
There is a wide package of support for those just above the threshold, and a big effort to support those eligible for Pension Credit to apply.
There is so much being done locally for the common good, and I’ve recently attended a powerful event to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day, joined the Multi-Faith Forum event which followed the riots, heard about support for grassroots football at Cribbs FC and joined the team at Resound’s foodbank in Blackhorse.
I’m always keen to support this community action, and you, in any way I can.
You can contact me at
claire.hazelgrove.mp@parliament.uk.