Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update: 5-9th October

3 days ago

11 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

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This week the Government has...

Announced investment for High Streets

The Government has announced that derelict high street buildings will be transformed into shared workspaces, cafes and community hubs, to bring people back into town centres as part of a £210m package announced today (25 September).

People are proud of where they live, but too many have watched their high streets be hollowed out, with shops shuttered, buildings boarded up and once-busy hubs left empty.

Now the Government is putting that right, by revamping vacant shopping centres, disused cinemas and abandoned local eyesores.

Through the new £125m Derelict Buildings Fund, the Government will support local authorities to transform these buildings into what their communities need, from health centres to civic spaces.

An additional £65m will be invested in helping communities right across England rescue and revamp beloved buildings and businesses at risk of closure, like pubs and sports clubs. This builds on existing schemes like the Pride in Place programme, which has helped locals take over the youth centre in Ramsgate and redevelop the former Brunswick Shopping Centre in Scarborough.

And a further £20 million will be split equally between High Street Rental Auctions, letting out properties vacant for 12 months or more, and a new Co-operative Development Programme so local people share in their high street’s success.

This drives forward the Prime Minister’s mission to shift power back to communities, from letting mayors keep a share of income tax to reinvest in local priorities, to supporting the establishment of strategic authorities in every part of England.

Airline passenger rights update

Airlines will be required to seat children under the age of 14 with a parent or accompanying adult free of charge.

Holidaymakers are set to save money as the Government steps in to ease pressure on the cost of living in time for next year’s summer holidays, scrapping child seating fees and unnecessary admin costs.

Under new plans announced today (2 October 2026), airlines will be required to seat children under the age of 14 with a parent or accompanying adult free of charge. Parents should not feel pressured to pay extra simply to sit beside their child – currently, a parent and child could be charged up to £104 on a return journey.

Passengers will also be given greater flexibility to correct simple name errors on bookings for free, ending unfair and irritating charges – sometimes as much as £40 – for minor mistakes or admin tweaks.

Alongside this, the Government has announced it is working with airlines and trade unions to create a new system for sharing information on persistently disruptive passengers.

In 2025, more than 1,000 serious disruptive passenger incidents were logged by airlines, including a mid-air brawl that resulted in a flight being diverted, causing significant disruption to passengers and crew as well as costs for the airline.

The new system will make disruptors easier to spot, keeping staff and passengers safer from the get-go and enabling airlines to take decisions on whether to extend a ban on their airline.

While most UK airlines already offer protections against hidden costs, these new reforms will give passengers greater consistency on all airlines operating in the UK.

National Cadets Week

The first National Cadets Week is an opportunity to highlight the work of 137,000 Cadets 28,000 adult volunteers, to inspire others, and to showcase the difference they make to young people, families and communities.

Cadets and volunteers will take part in outreach activities, delivering presentations to schools and places of work to raise awareness of the programme.

Last month I was delighted to visit 485 (Harborne & Quinton) Air cadets Squadron at Tennal Grange. It was lovely to meet the cadets and see their commitment firsthand.

If you are an adult and have a genuine desire to help serve your local youth community, please check out their website: 485 (Harborne & Quinton) Squadron - Royal Air Force Air Cadets where further details on how to volunteer as staff are available.

Read more here: National Cadets Week 2026 - GOV.UK

Local News - In Birmingham Edgbaston

Lordswood Road Potholes fixed

I am delighted that the council have completed resurfacing works to Lordswood Road.

Earlier this year, I wrote to Birmingham City Council to inform them of the danger posed by the potholes on Lordswood Road, and to request urgent repairs. This came after dozens of constituents contacted me about the condition of the road surface and the damage it was causing to vehicles.

Following my correspondence, I was pleased that the Council agreed to add Lordswood Road to their programme of scheduled works.

Since then, I have pressed the Council to carry out these repairs as soon as possible, to prevent further danger to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

Thank you to residents who have taken the time to write to me about this issue. I know how frustrating this has been for so many, and I am pleased the work is finally complete.

Breakfast clubs in Edgbaston schools up and running

Earlier this year, the Government announced funding for three more free breakfast clubs in Birmingham Edgbaston.

City Road Primary School and George Dixon Primary School in North Edgbaston, along with Welsh House Farm Community School in Harborne, have now launched free breakfast clubs, beginning last month.

They join eight schools already offering free breakfast clubs in the constituency, meaning eleven local schools providing children with a healthy start to the school day.

Since 2024, the Government’s free breakfast club programme has served more than 10 million breakfasts to children across England. The scheme is helping families save up to £450 a year while giving children the best possible start to the school day.

As a former pupil of City Road Primary School, I am especially pleased to see it benefit from this investment. As an ex- children’s services manager in Birmingham, I know that a good breakfast improves concentration and gives children the best chance to succeed.

Free breakfast clubs are easing pressure on family budgets, supporting working parents and helping every child start the school day well fed and ready to thrive.

Alongside breakfast clubs, the Government is also acting to reduce the cost of school uniforms and expand support for families as part of our wider mission to break down barriers to opportunity.

Defibrillator secured in Harborne

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Earlier this year, I joined local resident Rupert James Conway in supporting efforts to bring a publicly accessible defibrillator to Lordswood Road. Rupert adopted the phone box in 2024 through BT's Adopt a Kiosk scheme, supported by The Community Heartbeat Trust, with the ambition of turning an unused piece of street furniture into a vital community asset.

Following the fundraising campaign, which raised £3,000, the project was featured on the BBC's The Repair Shop on the Road, helping transform the kiosk into a fully functioning defibrillator hub. The initiative addressed a critical need, as survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests remain far too low, often because defibrillators are not readily available nearby when every second counts.

At the time, I said:

"Rupert's goal was simple: to help save lives. It is incredible to see a phone box on Lordswood Road transformed from something that would otherwise sit unused into a life-saving community resource.

This defibrillator hub will provide much-needed emergency support for Harborne and could make a vital difference when every minute matters."

The Lordswood Road defibrillator phonebox is a powerful example of what can be achieved when local residents come together to improve their community.

As Restart a Heart Day is marked on 16 October, I am highlighting the importance of CPR awareness and accessible defibrillators by celebrating the community-led transformation of this former phone box on Lordswood Road, Harborne, into a life-saving defibrillator hub.

You can learn more about the Lordswood Road project and watch its appearance on The Repair Shop on the Road on BBC iPlayer.

On behalf of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, I wrote to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

I wrote to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, in support of Birmingham Botanical Garden’s Heritage at Risk Fund application.

This fund gives grants for the conservation, repair and conversion of listed buildings of all grades, historic buildings in conservation areas, registered parks and gardens, and scheduled monuments.

Read my full letter above.

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.

The Airport is consulting from 8 October 2026 to 4 December 2026. Our consultation closes on 4 December 2026.

A local drop-in consultation event will take place at:

· St Mary’s Parish Centre, Harborne, B17 0DN, on Wednesday 28 October 11am–3pm

How to get involved:

· Online – Share your thoughts in a feedback form on our website: www.birminghamairport.co.uk/masterplan/

· Email – Send your feedback to: masterplan@birminghamairport.co.uk

· Post – MASTER PLAN 2026-2041, Birmingham Airport, Birmingham, B26 3QJ

· Drop-in events – Come along to learn more and speak with the project team Find out more: www.birminghamairport.co.uk/masterplan/

Talent Finders Day: Tuesday 13th October

Come along to Teamworks Birmingham City on Tuesday 13^th October to meet employers, explore employment opportunities, and to seek helpful advice from industry figures.

This is a fantastic opportunity for all jobseekers, whether you are actively job hunting or would like useful guidance. The National Careers Service will be in attendance.

Edgbaston Village monthly Artisan Market: Saturday 10th October, 10am - 3pm

Come down to Greenfield Crescent, B15 3AU, to browse artisanal food and drink, bespoke art and design, and to meet talented local makers. Whether you're searching for freshly baked treats, unique jewellery, beautiful homeware, or thoughtful gifts, there will be plenty here to inspire.

First Banking hub opened in Birmingham

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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.

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.

Media

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:

https://www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/healthcare/innovation/2026/09/how-burnhams-britain-can-gain-the-edge-in-life-sciences

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 North Edgbaston:

A constituent informed me of an expensive parking ticket he received after entering a typo in his registration plate. I contacted the parking company who agreed to rescind the ticket.

In Harborne:

I helped secure permanent housing for a homeless constituent with additional care needs. I was pleased that my constituent is now receiving the support they need.

In Edgbaston

I contacted Birmingham City Council on behalf of a constituent who had been served with a Section 21 Notice. The Section 21 Notice was then challenged, and my constituent was allowed to stay in the property for a further 28 days.

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

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
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

Ladywood (Close to North Edgbaston)
Date	Location	Time
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:

· Announced plans for a National Care Service

· Put Avanti West Coast into public ownership

· Announced Your First Home scheme

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

Preet Kaur Gill for
Birmingham Edgbaston

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