Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update: 28 September - 2 October 2026
Updated: Oct 5
This week the Government has...
Announced plans for a National Care Service
This week the Prime Minister introduced plans for a National Care Service, founded on the same principles as the NHS, which will provide free personal care for older people.
For too long, older generations have been forced to surrender their homes and savings in order to pay for their care. This isn’t fair.
The new National Care Service will be funded in the next Parliament by an adjusted triple lock, which will continue to protect annual increases in the state pension.
The plans provide a credible pathway to delivering a National Care Service that will put an end to years of neglect where vulnerable people have been left at risk as a result of Westminster’s failure to face up to the difficult issues. The new system will include personal care, helping with things like eating, bathing and using the toilet.
Avanti West Coast in public ownership
The Government has confirmed that Avanti West Coast will enter public ownership on 7 March 2027.
Passengers on the West Coast Main Line have experienced years of poor performance, including delays and regular cancellations. Avanti sits far below the industry average for train performance, punctuality, and customer satisfaction.
Bringing Avanti into public ownership will allow this Government to take control of this critical transport route, and will result in better performance across the board. Management fees currently paid to the private operator, Avanti, will instead be reinvested in the railway.
Alongside this decision, the Government has also announced an accompanying £50 million investment in infrastructure, timetable improvements, and upgrades at London Euston, all of which are aimed at reducing delays and improving passenger experience.
This Government is choosing to put passengers, not shareholders, first.
Read more here: Transport Secretary to nationalise Avanti West Coast services at first opportunity - GOV.UK
Announced Your First Home scheme
The Labour Government will step in to make getting on the housing ladder affordable for people able to save a small deposit. The Prime Minister is determined to bring back hope for young people who are struggling with the cost of living and want to be able to buy their own home.
A new equity loan scheme to help first-time buyers to purchase new build homes will be set out by the Chancellor at the Budget next month, with pre-registration open by the end of 2026. Support will be targeted to help those without access to the ‘bank of mum and dad’ to get on the housing ladder to buy a modest new build home.
The ‘Your First Home’ equity loan scheme will be open to first-time buyers with just a 2.5% deposit. It will provide a 20% equity loan to help first-time buyers buy a new build home, with an initial interest-free period to ensure housing costs are affordable.
The scheme will be funded by reprioritising existing government budgets.
Read more here: First Homes scheme: first-time buyer's guide: Overview - GOV.UK
Marked a new age of Industrialisation by backing British shipbuilding
This Labour Government is backing British shipbuilding with major investment in two significant maritime projects, supporting jobs, growth and national security across the UK.
Three new floating docks for the Royal Navy's submarine service at HM Naval Base Clyde will be built in Britain through a UK-only competition, strengthening sovereign capability and supporting the UK's defence industrial base.
A new marine research vessel will be built in a British shipyard, helping protect the UK's seas, supporting sustainable fishing and boosting coastal economies.
The Prime Minister and Chancellor joined a sea trial of the new Royal Daffodil on Merseyside, the first new Mersey Ferry built in more than 60 years, showcasing the Government’s commitment to British industry and regional growth.
The investment forms part of the Government’s plan for a "new age of industrialisation", using government spending to back British jobs, strengthen critical industries and grow the economy.
Read more here: Healey pledges “new age of industrialisation” as Government backs British shipbuilding - GOV.UK
Declared violence against women and girls (VAWG) as a public health emergency
This Government is recognising violence against women and girls as a public health emergency, ensuring VAWG receives the same focus on prevention, early intervention and coordinated action as other major public health challenges.
We are treating VAWG like the health crisis it is: With millions of women and girls experiencing domestic abuse, stalking and sexual violence each year, this announcement recognises that violence against women and girls has profound and lasting impacts on health and wellbeing.
Through a new referral programme, Steps to Safety, victims and survivors will be able to access specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence services through their GP and local health services.
We will also appoint a new National Clinical Lead for Violence Against Women and Girls to improve the health system's response and bring together clinical and public health expertise.
We are investing up to £49.4 million over three years to improve support for victims and survivors and strengthen the response to domestic abuse and sexual violence.
These reforms build on the Government's Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy and support our ambition to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.
Local News - In Birmingham Edgbaston
I welcomed the announcement of Birmingham being part of the Grooming Gangs Inquiry
As a former children’s safeguarding manager in the Birmingham, I know what it means to be responsible for a child’s safety. No institution’s reputation can come before protecting children.
Survivors deserve the truth and action. Read my statement in full above.
Edgbaston to receive share of Council’s £222,000 healthy food funding
This week the Government has announced that Birmingham City Council will receive £222,000 to improve access to healthy, affordable food and strengthen local food support networks.
The funding will allow local communities to determine how best to respond to local needs and priorities. This will include initiatives such as community food shops, mobile greengrocers, community kitchens, lunch clubs, cooking and nutrition programmes, or the development of longer-term food strategies.
Alongside government funding, the programme will work with businesses, charities and philanthropy to build on existing community projects, reach more people and bring additional funding into local areas.
Through the Government’s Good Food Cycle, the programme will help communities access healthier food and build a more resilient future.
Read more here: Government acts on food insecurity and affordability with £10 million to put good food within reach - GOV.UK
Jagtar Singh Johal freed on bail after nine years in Indian prison
Read my statement here:
“I welcome Jagtar Singh Johal’s release after almost nine years in detention without a conviction. This is an enormous relief for his family, who have campaigned tirelessly for him.
The UK and Indian governments must now work together so Jagtar can return home to his family.”
In the news:
Following the Chancellor's speech last Monday, I spoke to GB News:
Following the Prime Minister's announcement on social care reform, I spoke to BBC Midlands Today:
My New Statesman article - Britain must build the future here
During my time as Minister for Health Innovation and Safety, I met people developing remarkable new treatments and technologies. I also heard how difficult it can be to get proven innovations adopted across the NHS and to grow the companies behind them here in Britain.
That is the argument I make in my new article for the New Statesman. We have the science and talent. Now we need to turn more of it into better care for patients and skilled jobs in places like Birmingham.
Read my article here:
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 that this story was featured in Birmingham Post in print; please read below.
Read more here: Birmingham Edgbaston MP opens first Banking Hub in Birmingham
Green at Sir Richard's Drive Secured
When Calthorpe Estates put the Green on Sir Richard’s Drive up for sale, I wrote to local residents and called a public meeting to bring everyone together to find a solution. More than 130 people came. I continued working with Calthorpe Estates. Mark and Sally led the residents’ effort to buy the land for the community.
I am delighted that the Green has now been secured. Mark and Sally kept the community effort moving, and residents backed it by coming together around a shared plan to protect this much loved space. Mukesh of Murria Solicitors gave his legal expertise voluntarily to help turn that plan into a structure that could hold the Green for the community.
Thank you to Mark, Sally, Mukesh, Calthorpe Estates and every resident who played a part. This is a real achievement for Quinton.
New construction skills academy planned for the West Midlands
A major new partnership is set to help tackle skills shortages in construction across the West Midlands.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the creation of a National Skills Academy for Construction in the region.
The agreement is part of CITB’s wider national initiative to build a stronger, more connected construction skills network across England. By bringing together employers, training providers, local authorities and industry partners, the programme aims to create more opportunities for people to start careers in construction while ensuring training reflects the needs of employers.
The need for skilled workers is significant. CITB forecasts show that the West Midlands will need to recruit more than 3,800 additional construction workers every year over the next five years to meet expected demand.
Read more here: New construction skills academy planned for the West Midlands
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.
UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme 25-27 January 2027
Applications for the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme in January 2027 are now open. Teachers from schools and colleges across the UK are eligible to apply for the three-day immersive training programme, with the opportunity to hear from MPs and those working in key roles across UK Parliament. The tools developed will help teachers lay the foundation to gaining Teacher Ambassador status.
Deadline to apply is Sunday 1 November.
Find out more here: https://learning.parliament.uk/en/session-workshop/uk-parliament-teacher-ambassador-programme/
Community wins
In Quinton:
I helped secure the closure of a multi-bedroom Supported Exempt Accommodation property operating against the terms of its licence.
Residents contacted me in July, and since then I have been liaising with Birmingham City Council,
In Harborne:
I helped secure over £2000 reimbursement from the NHS to a doctor in my constituency.
If you have any issues you would like to raise with me please get in touch.
Phone: 0121 392 8426
Email: Preet.gill.mp@parliament.uk
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 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.
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 | ||
Date | Location | Time |
31 October 2026 | Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS | 8:00am to midday |
Harborne | ||
Date | Location | Time |
14 October 2026 | Grove Park, Harborne Park Road, B17 0BJ | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
North Edgbaston | ||
Date | Location | Time |
25 October 2026 | George Dixon Academy, Portland Road, B16 9GD | 8:00am to midday |
Quinton | ||
Date | Location | Time |
3 October 2026 | Quinton Park car park, Highfield Lane, B32 1QX | 8:00am to midday |
Ladywood (Close to North Edgbaston) | ||
Date | Location | Time |
26 September 2026 | Osler Street, B16 9EU | 8:00am to midday |
19 October 2026 | Osler Street, B16 9EU | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
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
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Wed 14 October 2026
St Francis Centre, Glen Side, Bartley Green, Birmingham
Quinton
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 Police
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:
Thousands more young people to access youth hubs
Fairer compensation for families affected by asbestos related diseases
No extra fare when your train is cancelled
Read last week's update here: Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update -25 September 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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