Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 1st May 2026
- 3 hours ago
- 12 min read
This Week the Government Announced...
Parliament session ends
This week, the Parliament session officially ended, this means Parliament will not meet until after the King's Speech on 13th May.
This marks the end of the current Government's session, and has been a monumental 22 months since we were elected to deliver a new agenda of change for the country.
This week itself meant the Royal Assent - making a bill into law - was done for ten bills.
The Bills becoming Acts from this week include:
The Employment Rights Act - the biggest upgrade in workers’ rights in a generation.
The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act - establishing Great British Rail – a publicly owned and accountable body to improve rail services and keep fares low.
The Great British Energy Act - establishing a publicly owned organisation to bring clean energy and cheaper bills to British consumers and industry.
The Renters’ Rights Act - providing renters with security and dignity in housing by outlawing no-fault evictions amongst other protections for private renters.
The Removal of Two Child Limit Act - bringing 450,000 children out of poverty and providing security to working families by removing the arbitrary two-child benefit cap.
The Water (Special Measures) Act - reversing the Tory decline in environmental standards and accountability in the water industry, empowering consumers and holding water bosses to account.
The Crime and Policing Act - tackling violence against women and girls, anti-social behaviour and retail crime, whilst rebuilding public confidence in policing and the wider criminal justice system.
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act - making good on our promise to give back control to local communities and provide mayors with unprecedented powers to deliver growth.
Read more about Parliament bills here: Parliamentary Bills - UK Parliament
Right to Buy
On Tuesday the Government confirmed it will bring forward further reforms to Right to Buy.
Right to Buy is a government scheme allowing eligible council tenants in England to buy their home at a discount.
Last year the government published its consultation response to overhaul Right to Buy that will support councils to better protect and rebuild depleted housing stock while maintaining a responsible route into homeownership for longstanding tenants.
New reforms to be brought forward will include:
Increasing the minimum eligibility period from three to ten years before tenants can apply to buy their home.
Amending discount rules so that discounts start at 5% of the property value and increase by 1% each year up to the maximum discount of 15% of the property value or the cash cap (whichever is lower).
A 35-year new build exemption period so new social homes cannot be sold under Right to Buy for 35 years after they are built.
Read more here: Right to Buy overhaul to safeguard social housing - GOV.UK
Agreement on UK-France crossings
The Home Secretary has officially made an agreement with France to step up patrols and intelligence operation in France to reduce illegal crossings.
Since coming into power our Government has prevented more than 42,000 illegal migrants from crossing the English channel, and joint action with France has also led to the arrest of 480 smugglers in 2025.
This agreement will ensure improvements to reduce the number of illegal crossings it will:
Include UK funding to support actions to strengthen the effectiveness of the scheme – these actions will be subject to a regular joint evaluation in order to analyse their impact on reducing the flow of illegal immigration
The personnel (nearly 1,200 agents of the police force, the intelligence services and the maritime prefecture) already deployed will be renewed and reinforced in the north to prevent illegal crossings from France
The new partnership aims to increase the number of personnel deployed by 53%, 907 personnel funded in the 2023 to 2026 cycle and 1,392 in the 2026 to 2029 cycle, as well as a Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité (CRS) unit dedicated to the fight against illegal immigration, managed by France – this will be accompanied by the deployment of new technologies to reduce the number of departures of small boats, in particular water taxis
Read more here: New UK-France agreement to reduce illegal crossings - GOV.UK
Stopping shop workers from violence
The government has handed the police a set of powers to crack down on soaring levels of violent shoplifting
The crime and policing bill was granted royal assent on Wednesday, meaning assault against retail workers is classed as a specific offence, and the effective immunity for shoplifting offences under £200 has been scrapped.
I'm pleased to see this legislation pass and ensure that our hardworking retail workers receive the support they deserve.
Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crime-and-policing-bill-2025-factsheets/crime-and-policing-bill-retail-crime-factsheet
Harsher punishments for flytipping
This week the Government has bought in tougher punishments for flytipping. I voted for this as part of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 and it will mean:
Courts can now add driving‑licence penalty points for fly‑tipping offences; serious cases can result in loss of licence for repeat offenders
Councils have stronger backing to seize, impound and crush vehicles used for fly‑tipping, with costs recovered from offenders
Greater use of CCTV, mobile cameras and drones to identify fly‑tippers and their vehicles
Watch the video with Minister for Waste above.
New Renters Rights introduced
Renting in England has changed – and millions of tenants are set to benefit.
On 1 May 2026, new laws kicked in to give 11 million renters stronger rights, better protections and more security in their homes.
These changes are the most significant in nearly 40 years and will transform renters’ experiences.
How have renters’ rights improved?
No more Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions – private landlords can no longer evict tenants without a valid reason.
Goodbye to fixed contracts – all tenancies in the private rented sector will roll on from month to month or week to week (depending on your arrangement) with no end date, giving renters more flexibility. Tenants can end them with two months’ notice.
Fairer rent rules – landlords can only raise rent once a year and renters can challenge unfair hikes.
No more bidding wars – landlords must stick to no more than the advertised rent price.
One month’s rent upfront, max – landlords can’t ask for more.
No discrimination – it’s now illegal to refuse tenants just because they receive benefits or have kids.
Pets welcome – renters can now ask to live with a pet and landlords must reasonably consider it.
What about landlords?
Landlords can still get their property back for clear reasons – like selling up, moving in, or dealing with rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.
The changes aim to strike a fair balance between renters and landlords, making the system more stable, safer and easier to understand.
The government is also investing in the courts to help tenants and landlords see justice quicker, with boosted powers and funding for councils now in place to tackle the minority of bad landlords.
What’s coming next?
From late 2026 onwards, phase 2 of the Renters’ Rights Act will begin, with work to roll out more improvements like:
A Private Rented Sector Database
This is a register of all landlords and rental properties in England, so you can check who you’re renting from. The new online database will be rolled out gradually by area from late 2026, showing who is renting out homes across England. You’ll be able to check your landlord and see if they’re properly registered once it is live in the area you live.
A free complaints service
A new independent Private Landlord Ombudsman will help renters sort complaints against landlords quickly and fairly, without needing to go to court. It will also support landlords with tools, guidance and training on handling complaints from tenants early.
Progressing future plans - warmer and safer homes
The government is also continuing work to improve living conditions in privately rented homes. Consultations will inform their timelines.
New rules in the future will raise the standard of rented homes - tackling damp, mould and dangerous conditions. Landlords will need to fix serious hazards faster and make homes more energy efficient, helping tenants stay warm and cut bills.
This is what is coming:
Quick landlord action to fix hazards
The government is looking to extend Awaab’s Law to private rentals - forcing landlords to act fast when homes are unsafe. A consultation on how best to do this will be launched soon, so private tenants can benefit from protections like those already supporting social housing tenants.
Greener homes by 2030
By 2030, all privately rented homes must meet new energy efficiency standards (EPC rating C or better) unless exempt. That means better insulation, lower bills and greener living.
A new Decent Homes Standard by 2035 for private rentals
For the first time, the government will introduce a Decent Homes Standard for privately rented homes - a clear set of rules to make sure every rented property is safe, warm and in good repair.
This new standard will help raise the bar across the board, giving renters confidence that their home meets basic safety and quality rules - and giving councils more power to crack down on landlords who don’t meet them.
Patients now able to check appointments on NHS App
From this week, hospital patients across England can now check referrals and appointments through the NHS App as its connected to every acute NHS trust. The app will mean more appointments are visible on app, and some patients will also be able to reschedule or cancel bookings.
Use of the app been rising with more than 15 million logins in March and 8.7 million appointment views, up 93% on last year.
This will ensure better connectively and easier ability for patients to book much needed appointments.
Right to try legislation
New legislation that comes into force this week will support disabled people with a ‘right to try’ work without losing benefits.
More than a third (37 percent) of disabled people and people with health conditions told the DWP Work Aspirations survey that they want to work, but are held back by fear of losing their benefits.
The landmark legislation – coming into force this week– means entering employment will not automatically trigger benefit reassessment for claimants on new-style Employment and Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Universal Credit health element.
Read more here: Right to Try - GOV.UK
Pension Schemes - made law
This week, the Pension Schemes Bill has reached royal assent and is now law.
The scheme will deliver more money for savers by making pensions simpler to understand, easier to manage, and better value over the long term.
Over the course of their careers, average earners saving in the most common type of scheme could receive up to £29,000 more in retirement as a result of these measures. Around 20 million workers stand to benefit nationwide, including 1.6 million in the West Midlands.
The new rules will consolidate small Defined Contribution (DC) pension pots, cutting costs for savers and the industry, and helping people view their full pension picture more easily. This will protect savers from remaining in underperforming schemes for years.
Read more here: Pension Schemes Act 2026 - Parliamentary Bills - UK Parliament
Golders Green attack
I am appalled by the horrific stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green. Antisemitism has no place in our society. I stand in full solidarity with the UK’s Jewish community, including here in Birmingham Edgbaston. My thoughts are with the victims and their families
Watch my statement on GB News above.
Local News
Week in Westminster Interview
On Saturday I spoke on Radio 4’s Week in Westminster about the Mandelson appointment. A functioning state depends on civil servants and ministers working together, sharing information, upholding accountability, and delivering for the public.
Watch my interview above.
GB Live interview
On Tuesday, I spoke to GB News about the Westminster focus on a single appointment. People across the country want a government that gets on with the job, cutting the cost of living, strengthening public services, and delivering real change, that's what this Government is delivering.
Watch my interview above.
Intervention in Parliament
I spoke in Parliament this week about how given the confusion in the vetting process the Prime Minister was right to make the decisions he has made to improve that process.
Watch my question above.
The Orchards Free Breakfast Club
This week I visited The Orchards Primary Academy to see their new free breakfast club which was launched this April thanks to Government funding.
It was great to see the pupils having fun and getting exercise before school. I even had the opportunity to speak with one parent who said how the new breakfast club supported them in getting to work on time.
Well done to all the staff at The Orchards for their hardwork in getting the club up and running!
Watch my video above.
Welcoming University of Birmingham students in Parliament
On Tuesday I had the pleasure of welcoming University of Birmingham undergraduate students to Parliament to talk about my role as an MP and what its like in Parliament.
Thank you for coming and asking me some important questions.
Major investment in Birmingham’s life sciences future
Our city is set to become a national hub for next-generation medicine manufacturing, with new Government funding for the Precision Health Technologies Accelerator at the University of Birmingham.
This means:
🔬 New cleanrooms to manufacture cutting-edge treatments
💉 The ability to produce advanced therapies, including personalised mRNA vaccines
🏥 A powerful partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust to deliver care closer to patients
Birmingham is already leading the way in clinical trials but this investment means we can now develop, manufacture and deliver these treatments here at home.
Crucially, it builds on pioneering work happening here especially by the University of Birmingham where Europe’s first clinical trial of a personalised mRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer is happening offering real hope against one of the toughest cancers.
This is about faster access to life saving treatments, a stronger NHS, and highly skilled jobs for our region.
A huge vote of confidence in Birmingham.
Watch my video above.
Visit to Kitwell Primary School
On Friday, I visited Kitwell Primary School in Bartley Green along with West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker to discuss the free school meals provision for its pupils. It was great to speak with the Headteacher, Mrs Shevels and Deputy Head Mrs Potts about Send provision, school funding and the curriculum review.
Thank you to the school for welcoming us to their lovely school.
St Peter’s School Q&A
It was great to speak with students at St Peter's School in Harborne to discuss my role as a MP and the issues that I'm focused on.
It is fantastic to speak with so many young people with an interest in Politics! Thank you for having me.
Visit to Harborne Cricket Club
It was great to meet with Harborne Cricket Club on Thursday to discuss the work they've been doing in the community and the value of the sport in our constituency.
Thank you for showing me your fantastic club.
Have your say on Pride in Place funding for Woodgate and Bartley Green
Calling on Woodgate and Bartley Green residents - I want to hear how you think the £20 million Pride in Place investment should be spent.
After years of campaigning I've secured £20 million for Woodgate and Bartley Green as part of the Pride in Place programme.
Woodgate and Bartley Green have long faced challenges with limited opportunities for young people, and closure of community facilities. This investment aims to reverse years of underfunding, and rebuilding pride in local neighbourhoods.
I'm asking residents to share their thoughts on how the money should be used. It could be for more youth services, a community hub, improved outdoor spaces or more support for skills and employment. All ideas are welcome and will inform the plans for how the funding will be spent with the goal to benefit as many residents as possible.
Please complete the survey here.
Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locations
Birmingham City Council arranges Mobile Household Waste Centres across the city.
Bartley Green | ||
10 May 2026 | Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS | 8:00am to midday |
To find the next pick-ups near you, please visit: Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locations | Mobile Household Waste Centres | Birmingham City Council
Police drop-in sessions across all wards
West Midlands Police hold regular drop-ins and PACT meetings providing residents with the opportunity to speak directly with officers about concerns relating to crime in the community. Please see below a list of the drop-in sessions coming up in my constituency.
Bartley Green
Drop-in Session - ST FRANCIS COMMUNITY CHURCH
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Wed 06 May 2026
St Francis Community Centre, Glenside, Bartley Green.
Drop-in Session - MILEBROOK HALL
10:00AM - 11:00AM, Thu 14 May 2026
Milebrook Hall, 143-151 Field Lane, Birmingham
Quinton
Drop in surgery
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Tue 12 May 2026
Quinton Library, 80 Ridgacre Road
Find more information here: Birmingham | West Midlands Police
Here’s seven things the Government has delivered in England this week:
⚡The Government is cutting energy bills and boosting energy security, breaking the link between gas and electricity prices to protect households from global shocks
🔌The Government is strengthening protections for billpayers, with tough new powers to hold energy firms to account and ban bonuses for failing bosses
❌ The Government has struck a new UK–France deal to bear down on small boat crossings, boosting enforcement to stop departures and smash smuggling gangs
💳 The Government is backing British fintech to drive growth, with major reforms to modernise payments and support innovation in digital finance
🎓 The Government is protecting free speech in universities, with new powers to fine institutions and a complaints scheme for those silenced
📈 Services exports have surged by £25 billion, showing Britain’s strength as a global hub for finance and professional services
🛡️ The Government is strengthening cyber defences, working with industry to develop AI-powered protection for critical national infrastructure
As always, if you have an issue you'd like to discuss, please contact my office at 0121 392 8426 or preet.gill.mp@parliament.uk, or through my website.
With warm regards,
Preet Kaur Gill MP
Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton
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