Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update: 26th - 30th October
Updated: 14 hours ago
[Video inserted here]
This week...
The Government delivered a budget to give breathing space to families and businesses.
Here's some of the measures that the Government has introduced:
ÂŁ100 Household Energy Payment
Eligible households in council tax Bands A to D will receive a ÂŁ100 Household Energy Payment directly into their bank accounts in January.
That’s 41,610 properties in those bands in Birmingham Edgbaston, and 2,283,960 properties across the West Midlands. That could mean £4.16 million of support for the Edgbaston constituency, helping people meet an essential household cost.
The Chancellor is also extending 0% VAT on electricity bills until 30 June 2027, reducing the April 2027 annual energy price cap by around ÂŁ50, and providing ÂŁ100 million nationally for councils to support households in greatest need.
Ofgem will work to abolish gas standing charges and move the costs into unit prices. An estimated 60% of households will save an average of ÂŁ45 a year, with targeted protection for some vulnerable households.
Read more here: What the Autumn Budget 2026 means for your energy bills - GOV.UK
Keeping fuel duty down and supporting people who drive for work
The 5p fuel duty cut and freeze in rates will continue until 1 July 2027.
For people who need their car for work, the Chancellor is also making more generous mileage rates permanent, 55p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles, with the rate above that increasing to 35p from April 2027.
That matters to care workers, community nurses, tradespeople and self employed residents travelling between jobs and appointments.
Read more here: A Labour Budget delivering for Birmingham Edgbaston
Higher wages and help with everyday costs
From April 2027, the National Living Wage will rise by 3.9% to ÂŁ13.21 an hour an increase of around ÂŁ910 in gross annual earnings for a full time worker on that rate.
Tariffs are also being removed from more than 100 products, helping reduce import costs on everyday essentials.
These measures recognise that working people need both fair pay and action on the costs eating into their household budgets.
Read more here: LPC recommendations take the National Living Wage to ÂŁ13.21 - GOV.UK
Backing our high streets and local businesses
Labour’s £1 billion business rates package means retail, hospitality and leisure properties in England will see their rates frozen in real terms, reduced or cut to zero.
The package includes:
* A two-year real terms freeze, capping bill increases at inflation.
* An extra 20% business rates cut for pubs and all but the largest live music venues, bringing their average tax cut to over ÂŁ3,000.
* An increase in the threshold for full small business rates relief for eligible businesses from ÂŁ12,000 to ÂŁ18,000.
Around 70,000 additional high street businesses nationally will be taken out of business rates altogether. More than half of retail, hospitality and leisure properties will pay no business rates.
For our shops, restaurants, cafés, pubs and independent businesses, this is support with running costs and more room to invest in their future.
The Budget also triples the trading allowance from ÂŁ1,000 to ÂŁ3,000, supporting people starting a small venture.
Read more here: Budget 2026 - GOV.UK
Investing in jobs and our community’s future
More than ÂŁ20 billion of additional capital for the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank will support investment and business growth.
Local leaders will receive greater powers over their economic futures, alongside ÂŁ285 million for Good Growth Funds nationally, putting more decisions closer to the communities they affect.
For Birmingham Edgbaston and the wider West Midlands, my priority is to see that investment translate into good jobs, stronger businesses and opportunities for young people.
The Budget also fully funds the ÂŁ15 billion Defence Investment Plan, strengthening our national security.
Read more here: Budget 2026 - GOV.UK
Laid the Remediation of Unsafe Cladding Bill before Parliament
Everyone deserves to live in a decent, safe, secure and affordable home. Yet, nine years on from the Grenfell Tower tragedy, too many people are still living in buildings with unsafe cladding.
Thousands of residents continue to face serious safety risks and financial strain while vital remediation is delayed. This includes my constituents in Hemisphere Apartments, Edgbaston, who have been left with prolonged uncertainty for far too long.
This situation cannot continue.
The Government’s position is clear: we must go further and faster to fix this problem for residents and restore confidence in the safety of our buildings.
This Bill, and the wider RAP, will help to deliver on the Government’s manifesto commitment to accelerate the pace of remediation, make those responsible pay, and further protect leaseholders.
It represents a decisive step forward in delivering the Government's promise to ensure that those responsible for building safety failures are held to account and required to put them right, so that residents can feel safe and secure in their homes. The Bill has four objectives:
Clarifying which buildings require remediation
Giving regulators the powers they need to hold the worst blockers to account, ensuring those responsible for fixing historic and ongoing failures do so more quickly
Making the companies that made unsafe building products contribute to fix the problems they caused
Ensuring all residents have a route to remediation, and that no building is left behind
It sits alongside our work on funding, operational delivery and regulatory oversight to improve the remediation system; many of which are being delivered without the need for legislation.
The Government is tackling antisocial behaviour with Respect Orders
This Government’s flagship Respect Order enables police and councils to take stronger enforcement action against relentless adult offenders of antisocial behaviour.Â
Courts can ban offenders from town centres or stop them drinking in public hotspots such as high streets and local parks.Â
They can also hand out unlimited fines and tough community punishments, including curfews or hours of volunteering.Â
Offenders can also be ordered by the courts to tackle the root causes of their behaviour, from drug or alcohol treatment to anger management courses, instead of simply returning them to the streets to start the cycle again. Â
A wide range of authorities can apply for a respect order, including landlords for housing associations and transport networks, in addition to police and local councils.Â
Breaching a respect order would be a criminal offence, with police able to arrest anyone who ignores the rules. Those who flout an order could face up to 2 years’ jail time.
Respect orders will be uploaded to the Police National Computer, so where someone is committing antisocial behaviour, police can check to see if one is in place and arrest them for breaching their conditions.Â
To receive a respect order, the perpetrator must have engaged in, or threatened to engage in, conduct that has caused, or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. This broad description means a wide range of behaviour could be captured. Â
Respect orders replace civil injunctions for adult offenders and give police stronger enforcement powers, including the ability to arrest anyone who breaches an order.Â
Read more here: Respect orders launch: targeting antisocial behaviour - GOV.UK
In Birmingham Edgbaston
Ahead of this week's Budget, I wrote to the Chancellor about the Hagley Road
Birmingham deserves transport that connects people to opportunity.
Ahead of the Budget, I wrote to the Chancellor, calling for funding to extend the Metro along the Hagley Road, building on Labour's ÂŁ2.4bn regional transport settlement.
I met with the Foreign Secretary for an update on Jagtar Singh Johal's case
On behalf of my constituents, I met with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, alongside parliamentary colleagues for an update on Jagtar Singh Johal’s case.
I continue to press for Jagtar’s full release and return home to his family. His long ordeal must end.
I wrote to the Leader of Birmingham City Council about the Green's policy that 'Zionism is racism'
Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey has ruled out working with the Green Party because of their 'dangerous and antisemitic' policy declaring 'Zionism is racism'.
So why is it OK in Birmingham?
You can read my joint letter with Al Carns MP and Jess Phillips MP below.
I questioned the Domestic Abuse Commissioner about the Early Release Scheme
This week on the Home Affairs Committee I questioned Dame Nicole Jacobs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, on the Government's early release scheme and how it has impacted victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
I also asked her about her views on the effectiveness of tagging offenders, and whether this process is working as intended.
Watch our full exchange below.
I met with Claire Jones, the new Police Inspector for Selly Oak and Edgbaston
It was good to meet our new Inspector, Claire Jones, to discuss policing priorities across Birmingham Edgbaston.
I look forward to working with Claire and her team to ensure residents' concerns are heard and out communities feel safe.
I spoke on the New Statesman's Future of Healthcare Conference panel
Following my time as Minister for Health Innovation and Safety and my experience overseeing policy relating to medicines, medical technology and life sciences, it was a pleasure to offer my perspective on how Government can accelerate the adoption of innovative treatments across the NHS.
My discussion explored how Government, regulators, the NHS, and industry can work together to streamline the journey from clinical research and regulatory approval through to routine adoption.
The conference brought together senior policymakers, NHS leaders, clinicians, researchers and industry representatives to examine the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of healthcare in the UK.
I chaired the latest meeting of the Hagley Road Steering Group
I was pleased to meet with the Hagley Road Steering Group this week, consisting of representatives from Transport for West Midlands, WMCA, Birmingham City Council, and Business owners.
We discussed Phase One works on the Hagley Road, which is due to commence next year. Phase One will see several improvements from Five Ways roundabout to the junction of Hagley Road and Portland Road, including new bus lanes, a segregated cycle lane, and improved traffic signals to improve the flow of traffic.
Consultation is ongoing, and I will keep residents updated on its progress.
I hosted a Q&A with University of Birmingham's Labour Society
It was a pleasure to speak to members of the University of Birmingham's Labour Society on Thursday.
It was fantastic to be a part of the society's 'Meet your University MP' session, and to hear the fascinating questions so many enthusiastic students.
Media
GB News - Our borders and immigration
This week I spoke to GB News about the action that this Labour Government is taking on securing our borders and managing immigration.
You can watch my full interview here: Labour MP urges colleagues to BACK Shabana Mahmood's immigration plan - 'Here to serve the country!'
GB News - Supported Exempt Accommodation
Last week I spoke to GB News about the urgent need for action on Supported Exempt Accommodation.
I have campaigned for reform since 2018. Stronger regulation is essential, but Birmingham City Council must use its existing powers to protect vulnerable tenants and tackle rogue providers.
Watch my full interview above.
Birmingham must take action on Exempt accommodation
I have been campaigning for stronger action on exempt accommodation because, when supported housing works well, it changes lives. It gives someone leaving prison the chance to turn a corner, helps a person escape homelessness, and enables those dealing with addiction, poor mental health, or domestic abuse to rebuild their lives.
In 2021, I worked alongside local residents, Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police to secure the closure of Saif Lodge in North Edgbaston after serious concerns were raised about poor living conditions, inadequate support for vulnerable residents, and antisocial behaviour affecting the local community.
Birmingham has some excellent supported housing providers that offer safe accommodation, proper support, and a route towards independence. However, their work is being undermined by a broken system that has allowed unscrupulous operators to exploit vulnerable people and extract vast sums from the taxpayer.
We need to do more to support reputable providers while preventing exploitative operators from taking advantage of vulnerable people. Everyone deserves access to safe, high-quality supported housing that helps them move forward with their lives, and Birmingham cannot afford to wait any longer for action.
Read more here:Â Birmingham cannot wait any longer for action on exempt accommodationÂ
You may have missed...
I issued a statement on the Harborne Post Office
"I know residents are concerned that the Post Office on Harborne High Street will now close on 2 November, ahead of TJ Jones closing on 7 November. The closure had initially been expected in January, but I understand this has been brought forward for legal reasons.
I share residents’ concerns. Harborne High Street needs a Post Office, and I am pressing for a solution that keeps these essential services on our high street.
I am in regular contact with the Post Office, which has told me it has received 23 expressions of interest in running a Post Office counter. I have made clear that securing a High Street location must be a priority.
I am also working with Kate Smart, Harborne’s BID manager, to help find a solution. I will continue pressing the Post Office for progress and keep residents updated."
On Friday 23rd October, I received the following response from the Post Office:
The Government has announced a consultation on Supported Exempt Accommodation
When it works, Supported Exempt Accommodation saves lives and money.
Â
However, as I have seen time and time again across Birmingham Edgbaston, bad actors have been allowed to exploit the system and profit from the neglect of people who are suffering.
Â
I welcome the Government's consultation on new regulation, and encourage all stakeholders - including residents - to have their say by completing the survey below.
Â
Feed into the consultation here: Supported housing licensing regime: consultation on draft regulations - GOV.UK
Birmingham Airport announces a major public consultation on its future – Edgbaston residents can have their say
Birmingham Airport has announced its ambition to become the Midlands’ gateway to the world. It is consulting on a draft Master Plan, which sets out a long-term vision for how the Airport could grow and evolve over the period to 2041.
Â
The Airport is consulting from 8 October 2026 to 4 December 2026. Our consultation closes on 4 December 2026.
Â
A local drop-in consultation event took place at:
·      St Mary’s Parish Centre, Harborne, B17 0DN, on Wednesday 28 October 11am–3pm
However, you can still get involved through the following methods by 4 December 2026:
·      Online – Share your thoughts in a feedback form on our website: www.birminghamairport.co.uk/masterplan/
·      Email – Send your feedback to: masterplan@birminghamairport.co.ukÂ
·      Post – MASTER PLAN 2026-2041, Birmingham Airport, Birmingham, B26 3QJÂ
·      Drop-in events – Come along to learn more and speak with the project team Find out more: www.birminghamairport.co.uk/masterplan/
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 ÂŁ20 million Pride in Place investment should be spent.
After years of campaigning I've secured ÂŁ20 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.
Â
I am 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. Â
Please complete the survey here.Â
Community Wins
In North Edgbaston:
I secured the removal of waste and fly-tipping from a HMO, and helped place the managing agent under special measures and reinspection.
In Harborne:
I helped secure a ÂŁ350+ council tax discount for a constituent who is a registered carer for a family member.
In Quinton:
I helped secure my constituent's Universal Credit entitlement after it was removed due to an administrative error.
If you have any issues you would like to raise with me, please get in touch.
Phone: 0121 392 8426Â
Email: preet.gill.mp@parliament.uk Â
Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locationsÂ
Birmingham City Council arranges Mobile Household Waste Centres across the city. Â
Bartley Green | ||
Date | Location | Time |
31 October 2026 | Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS | 8:00am to midday |
24 November 2026 | Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
8 December 2026 | Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
Harborne | ||
Date | Location | Time |
14 October 2026 | Grove Park, Harborne Park Road, B17 0BJ | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
North Edgbaston | ||
Date | Location | Time |
14 November 2026 | George Dixon Academy car park, Stanmore Road, B16 9SU | 8:00am to midday |
19 December 2026 | George Dixon Academy car park, Stanmore Road, B16 9SU | 8:00am to midday |
To find the next pick-ups near you, please visit: Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locations
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.
PCSO walkabout
 4:00PM - 5:00PM, Thu 29 October 2026
 QE Hospital, Mindelsohn Way
PCSO walkabout
 4:00PM - 6:00PM, Sat 07 November 2026
 Hagley Road, Edgbaston
Drop in Surgery
5:00PM - 6:00PM, Tue 10 November 2026
Quinton Library, Ridgacre Road, Birmingham, B32 2TW
Cuppa with a Coppa
 10:00AM - 11:00AM, Mon 02 November 2026
 Holloway Hall, Holloway, Bartley Green, Birmingham
Cuppa with a Coppa
 10:30AM - 11:30AM, Wed 11 November 2026
 St Francis Centre, Glen Side, Bartley Green, Birmingham
Find more information here: Birmingham | West Midlands PoliceÂ
To receive regular updates about the police in your area, sign up for WM Now updates here.
Here’s some things from last week you may have missed:
đźš—New Private Parking Code of Practice
🚧£220m for potholes
🛠️Industrial Strategy Jobs Plan
Read last week's update here: Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update: 19-23rd October
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
Comments