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Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update -4 September 2026

  • 54 minutes ago
  • 9 min read

This week the Government has delivered...

Return to Parliament


Parliament returned on Monday, with Government preparing to make changes to improve the UK. 


Here's some of the measures the Government has announced...


Cost of Living Support

  • Abolishing VAT on domestic energy bills from 1 October to 31 March.

  • Maintaining a ÂŁ2 bus fare cap across England in 2027.

  • Introducing free 24/7 bus travel for disabled people in England.

  • Cracking down on fake discounts to protect consumers.

  • Ending subscription traps that make it difficult for people to cancel unwanted services.


Supporting Local Businesses

  • A 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England.

  • New procurement rules to encourage investment in local communities and support apprenticeships and work placements.


Stronger Consumer Protections

  • A new government-backed scheme to help homeowners identify trusted traders.

  • Protection for customers' money while building work is ongoing.

  • New measures to crack down on rogue builders and cowboy traders.


Power to Local Communities

  • Giving mayors greater control over locally raised funding to invest in local priorities.

  • New powers for mayors and MPs to tackle illegal dumping and rogue waste operators.

  • Stronger powers for communities to shape their high streets.

  • New planning controls for vape shops.

  • Enhanced powers for local agencies to close businesses linked to criminal activity.


Jobs, Skills and Opportunity

  • Launch of the Youth Jobs Guarantee Scheme for long-term unemployed young people.

  • New bursaries worth ÂŁ4,500 a year for some young people on Universal Credit taking up apprenticeships.

  • Investment to create 22,000 additional places in colleges and post-16 education providers.

  • New technical education routes for 14 to 19-year-olds.

  • Creation of 22,000 apprenticeships through the renewal of the nuclear deterrent programme.


Housing and Homelessness

  • ÂŁ10 billion committed to deliver the first tranche of the Social and Affordable Homes Programme.

  • Support to build 70,000 affordable and social homes.

  • A commitment to ensure everyone sleeping rough is offered a route off the streets by Christmas.

  • Continued investment in tackling homelessness and rough sleeping.


Health and Wellbeing

  • Opening 159 new mental health facilities across England to provide faster access to support.


Support for Rural Communities

  • ÂŁ65 million of funding to support farmers affected by this summer's drought.


Small Boat crossings fall to six-year low

New figures show that small boat crossings from France to the UK have fallen to their lowest level in six years, with summer arrivals reaching their lowest point since 2019.


The Government says this reflects stronger action to secure the UK's borders and tackle the criminal gangs behind dangerous Channel crossings. Increased cooperation with France and enhanced enforcement activity along the northern French coast have helped prevent crossings and disrupt people-smuggling networks.


This progress means fewer people are risking their lives making dangerous journeys across the Channel. The Government has pledged to continue working with international partners to strengthen border security and crack down on illegal migration.


Crackdown on Rogue Builders

The Government has announced new measures to crack down on rogue builders and protect families undertaking home improvement and renovation projects.


A new government-backed scheme will help homeowners identify trusted traders and provide greater financial security during building works. Under the scheme, customers' money will be protected until agreed stages of work have been completed, helping to prevent families from being left out of pocket by unscrupulous operators. Businesses that sign up will be required to meet higher standards of customer service, transparency and dispute resolution through a new Approved Code.


The measures will also strengthen protections for those facing debt collection, with tougher regulation of bailiffs to ensure people who fall behind on bills are treated fairly and with respect.


I welcome these new measures to protect local residents from rogue builders and unfair practices. Too many families have experienced the stress and financial hardship caused by cowboy builders, and these changes will give people greater confidence when investing in improvements to their homes. By raising standards and protecting consumers' money, the Government is helping to ensure residents receive the quality service they deserve.


Representation of the People Bill 2026 


I was proud to vote for the Government's Representation of the People Bill, which will strengthen our democracy, increase transparency, and make it easier for people to participate in elections.


The Bill includes measures to:

  • Stop foreign money and hostile actors from influencing UK elections through tougher donation rules.

  • Ban political donations made using cryptocurrency, helping improve transparency in political funding.

  • Close loopholes by requiring companies making political donations to have a genuine UK or Irish connection.

  • Increase transparency around political donations and campaign spending.

  • Tackle new threats to democracy, including AI-generated election content and misinformation.

  • Extend voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds, giving more young people a say in decisions that affect their future.

  • Modernise voter registration, making it easier for eligible voters to take part in elections.

  • Provide stronger protections for candidates and election staff against harassment and intimidation.


These reforms will help safeguard our elections, encourage democratic participation, and ensure our democracy remains strong, fair and secure for future generations.


Ending rough sleeping by Christmas

The Prime Minister has announced a major new package of support to help end rough sleeping, with a commitment that everyone sleeping rough who needs it will be offered a route off the streets by Christmas.


Under the plans, ÂŁ442 million will be invested across England to provide emergency accommodation and long-term housing support, with ÂŁ14 million allocated to the West Midlands. Areas facing the greatest pressures will receive the largest share of funding, helping people experiencing homelessness access safe accommodation alongside practical support with housing, health and other needs.


As the MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, I welcome this significant investment in tackling homelessness in our communities. No one should have to face the uncertainty and hardship of sleeping on the streets, and I have long supported local organisations working to help those most in need.


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.


University of Birmingham's breakthrough technology for eye diseases 

The University of Birmingham has been developing an advanced eye drop technology that could radically improve the lives of people suffering from debilitating conditions.


Healome Therapeutics is the first West Midlands business to receive investment through Midlands Mindforge, a capital investment company founded by eight of the region’s universities.


Part funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and UKRI Research England, Midlands Mindforge has been set up to support spin-out companies and other early-stage technology businesses to help get their ground-breaking science to market.


The eye drops being developed by Healome form a soft layer that liquifies with each blink to lubricate the eye, and reforms as a protective layer.


UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme 25-27 January 2027

Applications for the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme in January 2027 is 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.


In the media


Challenging flytipping

I often hear from residents about their frustration with fly-tipping in our community.


I was pleased to support Quinton residents in challenging the council over the increasing number of fly-tipping incidents blighting our area. The Government is giving councils stronger powers to tackle this problem, including stricter fines and penalty points on driving licences.


I have urged Birmingham City Council to use these powers to ensure we no longer have to see fly-tipping in our communities.


Surgeries in September

After a short break, I was pleased to hold my first surgeries of the month on Friday. I'll be holding my next surgeries in Edgbaston and Bartley Green on Thursday 10th September. Surgeries are an opportunity for constituents to meet with me directly to discuss any concerns they have. 


If you're unable to attend please contact me on:


Phone: 0121 392 8426 

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 Quinton

After a constituent reported anti-social behaviour in a nearby property, I spoke with the Council who informed me it was an Supported Exempt accommodation, after reviewing the property they removed the tenants causing disruption and have now planned a full renovation. The owners of the property have assured us that future tenants will now be heavily vetted before being moved into the accommodation.


In Bartley Green


A constituent came to me with concerns they were not receiving the Council tax exemption they were entitled to. I investigated and had their tax backdated, securing them a ÂŁ278 council tax refund.


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.

 

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 

Information on what you can bring to the vehicle
Information on what you can bring to the vehicle

Birmingham City Council arranges Mobile Household Waste Centres across the city.  

Bartley Green

Date

Location

Time

7 September 2026

Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS

7:30am to 12:30pm

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

10:00AM - 11:00AM, Thu 10 September 2026

Milebrook Hall, Field Lane, 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

12:00PM - 2:00PM, Sun 20 September 2026

Hagley Road West, Harborne


PCSO walkabout

4:00PM - 6:00PM, Fri 25 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 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:

🔌VAT on electricity bills

🏠More than 70,000 social homes to be built

đź›’10,000 new work experience opportunities at Sainsbury's

🇺🇦 Prime Minister visits Ukraine



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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Preet
Kaur Gill

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MP for Birmingham Edgbaston covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, Quinton and North Edgbaston

Contact Me

Write to Preet

House of Commons

London

SW1A 0AA

​

Phone Preet

0121 392 8426

​

Email Preet

preet.gill.mp@parliament.uk

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