Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 28 August 2026
- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
This week the Government has delivered...
VAT cut on electricity bills
The Prime Minister has announced a major cut to household electricity bills, helping families with the cost of living and protecting people from rising energy prices this winter.
From 1 October 2026, VAT will be removed from household electricity bills, saving households an average of ÂŁ45 a year. Combined with the ÂŁ150 in costs already removed from bills earlier this year, this measure will help limit the impact of increases to Ofgem's energy price cap and provide additional support to households across the country.
Around 6 million households are also expected to benefit from the Warm Home Discount this winter, which provides a further ÂŁ150 off electricity bills for eligible households.
I welcome this practical support for families facing continued pressure from the cost of living. Energy costs remain a significant concern for many households, and these measures will help people keep more money in their pockets while ensuring support is targeted at those who need it most.
Read more here: Breathing space on your energy bill - GOV.UK
More than 60,000 social homes to be built
The Government has announced a major investment in affordable and social housing, with almost ÂŁ10 billion allocated to support the delivery of more than 70,000 new homes across England over the next decade.
Funding has been awarded to Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, the North East and Liverpool, with a further ÂŁ6 billion previously announced for London. This forms the first phase of the Government's wider ÂŁ39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme, which aims to deliver 300,000 new homes and help tackle the housing crisis.
This significant investment in affordable housing and the opportunities it will create for people across the West Midlands. Too many individuals and families are struggling to find secure, affordable homes, and increasing the supply of social and affordable housing is essential if we are to address housing need and give people greater stability and security.
Read more here: Coverage of first wave of funding from the Social and Affordable Homes Programme – MHCLG in the Media
10,000 new work experience opportunities at Sainsbury's
This week, the Government announced it is working with Sainsbury on a national drive to tackle youth unemployment. 10,000 new work experience opportunities will be available to young people to gain work experience, build confidence and develop skills to help them get ready for work.
The new “Modern Work Experience Programme” will be launch from October, targeted to schools with higher levels of free school meal uptake and communities where young people face some of the biggest barriers to work.
In Birmingham Edgbaston, youth unemployment stands at 9%, and there is still more to do to ensure young people can access meaningful work experience opportunities. Too often, young people are expected to find a job without having had the chance to gain the experience employers are looking for. This programme will provide the support they need to build their skills, boost their confidence and help them secure long and fulfilling careers.
Read more here: 10,000 work experience opportunities for young people as Sainsbury's joins national drive to tackle youth unemployment - GOV.UK
Prime Minister visits Ukraine
This week the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham visited Ukraine on their independence day to show Britain's unwavering support to Ukraine.
In his first international trip, the Prime Minister spoke to the Ukrainian people about his commitment to their independence and support for them in the conflict against Russia.
To underline the strength of this commitment, the Prime Minister is set to announce that the Government has agreed that defence firm MBDA can release classified information on UK components for the long-range missile, SCALP, as Ukraine and France look to establish local assembly lines in Ukraine.
Read more here: Britain is 100% behind you: Prime Minister Andy Burnham visits Kyiv on Ukrainian Independence Day for first international trip - GOV.UK
World's first crackdown to restrict offenders freedoms
This week the Government announced new reforms to confine serious sexual and violent offenders to just a few miles after leaving prison, in a world-first crackdown.
The new "restriction zones" that will give probation services in England and Wales stronger powers to restrict the movements of some of the most dangerous offenders.
The scheme has been developed with victims at its heart and has been directly shaped by the experiences of those affected by crime. Victims will also have a say in how individual restriction zones are drawn up, helping to ensure their safety and concerns are properly reflected.
The new measures build on existing exclusion zones, which prevent offenders from entering specific locations such as a victim's home or place of work. By introducing tougher and more flexible restrictions, the Government aims to strengthen public protection and give victims greater confidence that they can go about their daily lives safely.
Read more here: World-first crackdown to restrict offenders’ freedom and give it back to victims - GOV.UK
Saving parents money
The Government is introducing measures to help families with the cost of sending their children to school.
From September, new school uniform rules will help reduce costs for parents by limiting the number of branded items schools can require. This builds on wider support available to families, helping ensure that every child can start the school year ready to learn.
Families in Birmingham Edgbaston are set to benefit from a package of measures worth up to ÂŁ1,500 a year, including:
🥣 Free breakfast clubs (worth around £450)
🏫 Expanded free school meals (worth around £500)
🎒 A cap on branded school uniform items (saving families around £50)
By reducing the cost of everyday school essentials, these measures will help ease pressure on household budgets and ensure more children have the support they need to thrive at school.
Read more here: Full steam ahead to fast-track more homes near stations - GOV.UK
Local News
First Banking hub opened in Birmingham
After campaigning to protect access to face-to-face banking in Harborne, it was an honour to open Birmingham’s first Banking Hub on Harborne High Street.
The new Hub provides everyday banking services for customers of all major banks, including cash withdrawals and deposits, cheque deposits, bill payments and balance enquiries. Individual banks will also provide face-to-face appointments on dedicated days each week.
This is a significant achievement for Harborne and Birmingham. I promised residents I would fight to protect face-to-face banking, and I am delighted that together we have delivered Birmingham’s first Banking Hub for our high street.
I was pleased this story was featured in Birmingham Post in print, read below.
Read more here:Â Birmingham Edgbaston MP opens first Banking Hub in BirminghamÂ
Royal Mail changes
Royal Mail has begun introducing changes to the Universal Service, including at the Northfield Delivery Office, which serves Birmingham Edgbaston.
The reforms are designed to ensure postal services remain sustainable, affordable and reliable, as letter volumes have fallen significantly in recent years while the number of addresses across the UK continues to grow.
Under the changes, Second Class letters will be delivered every other weekday, Monday to Friday.
There will be no changes to:
The one-price-goes-anywhere service across the UK
First Class letters delivered six days a week
The choice of First and Second Class services
Parcel deliveries up to seven days a week
Royal Mail reports that areas where the new delivery model has already been introduced have seen improvements in delivery performance. The changes aim to help maintain a reliable postal service while supporting future investment in services for customers.
Read more here: Letter deliveries are changing to deliver a better all-round service | Royal Mail Group Ltd
Letter to Birmingham City Council
Residents regularly write to me about the ongoing bin dispute and failure to collect recycling and garden waste.
I wrote to Deputy Chief Executive at Birmingham City Council to receive any answer, I am awaiting a response.
Harborne Primary School to join academy trust
Harborne Primary School has announced that it will join The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust from September 2026.
I wish the school every success as it takes this important next step in its journey.
Barclays Van closing
Barclays' mobile banking van service at Queen Elizabeth Hospital will be withdrawn from 19 November 2026.
The Barclays Van currently visits the hospital monthly and provides customers with access to a range of in-person banking services. Barclays says the decision follows a decline in customer use, with more people choosing to bank online, through mobile apps, by telephone, or at branch locations.
Barclays has stated that customers who currently use the service will be contacted directly and provided with information about alternative ways to access day-to-day banking services.
The bank will continue to invest in its wider branch network and digital services as customer banking preferences evolve. Customers affected by the change are encouraged to explore the alternative support options available to them.
Community wins
As your local MP I represent our community and am determined to get things done. Constituents regularly contact me with issues that matter to them, and I work hard to raise these concerns with the organisations responsible and push for action. Here are some recent examples of the positive outcomes secured for local people across the constituency this week.
In Bartley Green
A constituent was living in unsuitable accommodation, I spoke with their housing association and secured them a direct offer of accommodation. They were then able to sign a tenancy agreement.
In Harborne
A resident reported they had not received their state pension for around a year. After I contacted the DWP, the pension was paid in full along with ÂŁ100 compensation for the delay, resulting in payments of over ÂŁ5000.
After a resident raised concerns about being refused care, I escalated the case to Adult Social Care and secured approval for a referral, enabling them to receive direct payments to support their care needs.
If you have any issues you would like to raise with me please get in touch.
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
Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locationsÂ
Birmingham City Council arranges Mobile Household Waste Centres across the city. Â
Bartley Green | ||
Date | Location | Time |
7 September 2026 | Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
Ladywood (Closest to North Edgbaston) | ||
Date | Location | Time |
26 September 2026 | Osler Street, B16 9EU | 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.
Bartley Green
Cuppa with a Coppa
10:00AM - 11:00AM, Thu 10 September 2026
Milebrook Hall, Field Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham
Cuppa with a Coppa
10:00AM - 11:00AM, Mon 28 September 2026
Holloway Hall, Holloway, Bartley Green, Birmingham
Cuppa with a Coppa
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Wed 14 October 2026
St Francis Centre, Glen Side, Bartley Green, Birmingham
Edgbaston
PSCO walkabout
10:00AM - 2:00PM, Sat 12 September 2026
Artisan Market, Edgbaston
Harborne
PCSO walkabout
4:00PM - 6:00PM, Sat 29 August 2026
Hagley Road West, Harborne
PCSO walkabout
12:00PM - 2:00PM, Fri 04 September 2026
Hagley Road West, Harborne
PCSO walkabout
12:00PM - 2:00PM, Sun 20 September 2026
Hagley Road West, Harborne
Quinton
Drop in Surgery
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Tue 15 September 2026
Quinton Library, Ridgacre Road, Birmingham, B32 2TW
Drop in Surgery
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Tue 13 October 2026
Quinton Library, Ridgacre Road, Birmingham, B32 2TW
Drop in Surgery
5:00PM - 6:00PM, Tue 10 November 2026
Quinton Library, Ridgacre Road, Birmingham, B32 2TW
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:
🔚Ending rough sleeping
🚌West Midlands buses to be taken under public control
đź©ĽFree 24/7 bus travel for disabled people
đźš«13 asylum hotels closed
🏠New homes closer to train stations
Read last week's newsletter here: Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 21 August 2026
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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