Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 31 July 2026
- 8 minutes ago
- 9 min read
This week the Government has delivered...
Fixing our broken Social Care system
Our social care system is under immense pressure. Too many carers are struggling, families are facing increasing challenges, and delays in care are placing additional strain on our NHS. I believe we must face these challenges head on and work together to deliver the reforms people deserve.
That is why the Prime Minister has asked Baroness Louise Casey to bring forward her work on creating a National Care Service, with recommendations now due by summer 2027. This work will be independent and shaped by public and cross-party support, helping to build a system that provides dignity, security and high-quality care. Importantly, any future reforms will be fully funded and will not rely on borrowing.
The newly launched Big Conversation on Care will give people the opportunity to share their experiences and help shape the future of adult social care. I encourage residents across Birmingham Edgbaston to take part and ensure their voices are heard.
Alongside this, the Government is making available an additional £4.6 billion for adult social care by 2028/29, introducing the first-ever Fair Pay Agreement for care staff, and improving support for unpaid carers. These measures will help strengthen local care services, support families, improve conditions for care workers, and reduce pressure on NHS services, delivering real benefits for people across Birmingham Edgbaston.
Read more here: Prime Minister's speech on social care - 29 July 2026 - GOV.UK
Technical opportunities for young people expanded
I welcome the Government’s plans announced this week, to introduce new technical education pathways for young people from the age of 14, giving students the opportunity to combine core academic subjects with practical skills, work experience and stronger links to local employers.
For too long, technical education has not received the same recognition as traditional academic routes. These reforms are designed to ensure that young people have real choices about their future, whether they aspire to go to university, take up an apprenticeship, continue into further education or move directly into skilled employment. Importantly, there should be no dead ends, with every student able to access high-quality education and training that prepares them for success.
For Birmingham Edgbaston, this approach has the potential to create exciting new opportunities for young people by connecting education more closely to growing sectors such as digital technology, healthcare, construction and life sciences. By working with local employers, schools and colleges, students will gain valuable real-world experience and develop the skills that businesses are looking for.
These changes are an important step towards tackling youth unemployment and ensuring that young people leave education with the confidence, knowledge and experience they need to secure good-quality jobs. I am pleased to see greater emphasis being placed on practical skills and employer engagement, helping more young people across my constituency to achieve their full potential and build successful careers close to home.
Read more here: PM: ‘From today Britain will value the hard hat as much as the graduation cap’ - GOV.UK
Standing with Ukraine
This week the Prime Minister recently welcomed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Portsmouth, reaffirming the UK's steadfast support for Ukraine and its people in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression. During their meeting, both leaders discussed the situation on the battlefield and the importance of continued diplomatic and military cooperation to strengthen Ukraine’s defences.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the resilience and determination shown by the Ukrainian people throughout the conflict and reiterated his personal commitment to supporting Ukraine. The leaders also reflected on how Ukraine’s innovation and adaptability have played a vital role in its defence and will continue to be important for wider European security.
Local News
Birmingham's first Banking Hub opens in Harborne
After years of campaigning, I was proud to officially open Birmingham’s first Banking Hub in Harborne, a major victory for our community and an important milestone in protecting face-to-face banking services.
When Santander, HSBC, NatWest and Barclays closed their local branches, I heard from hundreds of residents and businesses who were concerned about losing access to cash and everyday banking. Older people, disabled residents, carers and local traders told me that travelling into the city centre simply wasn’t a practical option.
I made securing a Banking Hub one of my priorities. I campaigned against the bank closures, surveyed residents, attended protests, worked with local campaigners, wrote to the banks and Government, and met directly with Cash Access UK to make the case that Harborne needed a permanent Banking Hub.
Thanks to that sustained campaign and the strength of local support, we have now secured the first Banking Hub to open anywhere in Birmingham.
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, ensuring people can continue to access in-person banking when they need it.
This is a significant achievement for Harborne and Birmingham. It demonstrates that when a community comes together and campaigns with determination, we can deliver real change. I promised residents I would fight to protect access to face-to-face banking, and I am delighted that together we have secured Birmingham’s first Banking Hub for our high street.
Maypole local business visit
On Tuesday I had the pleasure of visiting Maypole in Bartley Green, a fantastic local business employing around 70 people, many from our local community.
I was impressed by the company’s ambition to grow while reducing its environmental footprint, investing in a more sustainable future alongside creating local jobs.
Businesses like Maypole are a real asset to Bartley Green and Birmingham. I look forward to supporting them as they continue to expand.
Calthorpe residents event held
Sir Richards Drive Green space
I recently called and hosted a community meeting attended by more than 130 residents to discuss the future of the Green at Sir Richard’s Drive and the opportunity to secure it for community ownership.
Following my discussions with Calthorpe Estates, residents now have the opportunity to purchase the Green before it is offered for sale on the open market. I organised the meeting to bring everyone together, share the latest information and discuss how a community-led purchase could be achieved.
I was delighted by the fantastic turnout and the commitment shown by residents to protect this much-loved green space. It demonstrated the strength of local feeling and the determination to keep this important community asset in local hands. We already have a proposal from residents Sally and Mark who I am working with and it’s great to see the community get behind this.
I will continue working with residents, Calthorpe Estates and community representatives to help move this project forward. I have also written to every household in the area setting out the next steps and will continue to keep residents updated as progress is made.
If you would like to discuss this matter or any other issue, please contact my office on 0121 392 8426 or 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.
West Midlands Police events
West Midlands Police are holding some exciting, interactive sessions for children this summer, to step into the shoes of police officers and discover what it takes to help keep our communities safe.
Running every Thursday from 23 July to 27 August, ‘Tally Ho! Thursdays – Police Training Academy’ is open to children aged 3–12 with each session running between 45 minutes to 1 hour, costing £2 per child, per session.
Training Schedule:
📆 6th August: PC Training
📆 13th August: Traffic Control
📆 20th August: Public Order Training
📆 27th August: Contact Handling & Dispatch Training
Find out more and book your place today here: https://museum.west-midlands.police.uk/product/tally-ho-thursdays-police-training-academy/
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.
Pothole repaired on West Boulevard roundabout fixed
After a resident contacted me about concerns regarding potholes on the roundabout at Ridgacre Road and West Boulevard, I raised the issue with the council. I am pleased to report that the roundabout has now been fully resurfaced, improving safety and road conditions for local residents.
Planning application opposed on Harrisons Road
I wrote to the council to oppose a planning application on Harrisons Road after residents highlighted concerns about its potential impact on the site's ecological roof and surrounding trees. I am pleased to report that the developer has now withdrawn the application.
Secured police monitoring for parking by QE Hospital
Residents contacted me about vehicles parking on roads near QE Hospital in disregard of local restrictions, creating hazards for other road users. I raised these concerns with the local police team, who have assured me they will monitor the area and take enforcement action where necessary.
If you have any issues you would like to raise with me please get in touch.
NO surgeries in August
Thank you to everyone who attended my surgeries in July. Please note I will not be holding surgeries in August. They will resume to my usual schedule in September, more information can be found here: Advice Surgeries | Preet Kaur Gill
In the meantime please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns.
Summer events
As we approach the summer holidays, there's plenty of fun, family-friendly activities to get involved in. Please see some we have coming up in Birmingham Edgbaston below.
Moor Pool Heritage Trust - Summertime crafts
When: Friday 14th August 10am-midday
Where: Moor Pool Heritage trust
Join Moor Pool Heritage trust for a morning of seasonal crafting this summer from 10am to midday on Friday 14th August in the Main Hall. £5 per child. No booking required, cakes and drinks available to purchase.
Find out more here: Summertime Crafts – Moor Pool Heritage Trust
Birmingham Botanical Gardens events:
Artisan Market - 1st August
Pick up a locally made treat from independent makers! Click Here To Book
Gardens Yoga: Saturday Mornings
Every Saturday from 25 July until 12 September, the Garden is offering Yoga from 9-10am.
For more information on events at Botanical Gardens, visit: What's On | Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locations
Birmingham City Council arranges Mobile Household Waste Centres across the city.
Quinton | ||||
Date | Location | Time | ||
8 August 2026 | Quinton Park car park, Highfield Lane, B32 1QX | 8:00am to midday | ||
Bartley Green | ||
Date | Location | Time |
13 August 2026 | Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS | 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
10:00AM - 11:00AM, Mon 03 August 2026
Holloway Hall, Holloway, Bartley Green, Birmingham
Cuppa with a Coppa
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Wed 12 August 2026
St Francis Centre, Glen Side, Bartley Green, Birmingham
Cuppa with a Coppa
10:00AM - 11:00AM, Thu 13 August 2026
Milebrook Hall, Field Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham
Edgbaston
PSCO walkabout
10:00AM - 2:00PM, Sat 08 August 2026
Greenfield Road, Edgbaston
PCSO walkabout
4:00PM - 5:00PM, Wed 19 August 2026
QE Hospital, Mindelsohn Way
PSCO walkabout
10:00AM - 2:00PM, Sat 12 September 2026
Artisan Market, Edgbaston
Harborne
PCSO walkabout
12:00PM - 2:00PM, Fri 07 August 2026
Hagley Road West, Harborne
PCSO walkabout
4:00PM - 6:00PM, Sun 09 August 2026
Hagley Road West, Harborne
PCSO walkabout
12:00PM - 2:00PM, Sat 15 August 2026
Hagley Road West, Harborne
Quinton
Drop in Surgery
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Tue 11 August 2026
Quinton Library, Ridgacre Road, Birmingham, B32 2TW
Drop in Surgery
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Wed 09 September 2026
Quinton Library, Ridgacre Road, Birmingham, B32 2TW
Find more information here: Birmingham | West Midlands Police
Here’s some things the Government delivered in England last week you may have missed:
⚡Household Electricity Bills VAT cut
🚌 Bus fares capped at £2
🍻Business rates cut for pubs, clubs and music venues
🤝Drive to end rough sleeping
Read last week's newsletter here: Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 24 July 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
Comments