Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update - 8th May 2026
- 5 hours ago
- 10 min read
This Week the Government Announced...
Government is working for you
Parliament is currently prorogued until the King's Speech on 13th May, this means for the next week, parliament won't be in session so new laws and motions won't be passed until after the speech.
It was a session of 22 weeks, starting from the election in 2024 with the new Government. In this time, the Government has made some huge improvements to our policies and laws, for families, for health and for our communities.
Here's some of the things the Government has done for families:
💡 Cutting energy bills by over £100
💷 Increasing the minimum wage
🥣 Free breakfast clubs for children, including eight in Birmingham Edgbaston
👶 30 hours of free childcare
👵 Raising the state pension by up to £575
⚖️ New rights and protections for workers and renters
👨👩👧 Scrapping the two-child limit to lift children out of poverty
🏫Investment in new school-based nurseries, including at Our Lady Fatima and World's End
For the NHS:
🏥 Over 5 million more NHS appointments
⏳ Waiting lists coming down
👩⚕️ 2,000 more GPs
🏡 New Neighbourhood Health Centres in every community
💷 £26 billion investment in the NHS
For communities:
🏢 Nearly £6 billion for Pride in Place programme, putting local people in charge of regeneration cash for their area
👮♂️ 3,000 new neighbourhood police officers on the beat, two months ahead of schedule
🗑️ Our Waste Action Plan forcing illegal tips to be cleared and the dumpers made to clean up the streets
It has passed 64 bills to become acts, making them laws, and brought in major reforms across all Government departments.
I'm proud to be part of a Government making this life-changing transformations, and will continue to use my weekly updates once Parliament is back to update you on the actions of the Government.
Fighting against Antisemitism
This week the Government set out plans for clamp down on antisemitism, after the horrific events at Golders Green.
Plans include:
👮♂️ The largest investment in protecting our Jewish communities in history - £58m
📚 £7m to eradicate antisemitism in our schools, colleges and universities
🏥 Mandatory training to combat antisemitism in our NHS and other public bodies
📣 Stronger laws now allow police to take tougher action against marches that target and intimidate our Jewish neighbours
🇮🇷 Fast-tracking legislation in the coming weeks to give us powers to go after state-sponsored organisations
❌ Introducing stronger powers to shut down charities that promote antisemitic extremism.
✈️ Preventing hate preachers from entering our country
New Renters Rights into force
Renting in England has changed – and millions of tenants are set to benefit.
From 1 May 2026, new laws kicked in to give 11 million renters stronger rights, better protections and more security in their homes.
These changes are the most significant in nearly 40 years and will transform renters’ experiences.
How have renters’ rights improved?
No more Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions – private landlords can no longer evict tenants without a valid reason.
Goodbye to fixed contracts – all tenancies in the private rented sector will roll on from month to month or week to week (depending on your arrangement) with no end date, giving renters more flexibility. Tenants can end them with two months’ notice.
Fairer rent rules – landlords can only raise rent once a year and renters can challenge unfair hikes.
No more bidding wars – landlords must stick to no more than the advertised rent price.
One month’s rent upfront, max – landlords can’t ask for more.
No discrimination – it’s now illegal to refuse tenants just because they receive benefits or have kids.
Pets welcome – renters can now ask to live with a pet and landlords must reasonably consider it.
What about landlords?
Landlords can still get their property back for clear reasons – like selling up, moving in, or dealing with rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.
The changes aim to strike a fair balance between renters and landlords, making the system more stable, safer and easier to understand.
The government is also investing in the courts to help tenants and landlords see justice quicker, with boosted powers and funding for councils now in place to tackle the minority of bad landlords.
What’s coming next?
From late 2026 onwards, the next phases of the Renters’ Rights Act will begin, with work to roll out more improvements like:
A Private Rented Sector Database
This is a register of all landlords and rental properties in England, so you can check who you’re renting from. The new online database will be rolled out gradually by area from late 2026, showing who is renting out homes across England. You’ll be able to check your landlord and see if they’re properly registered once it is live in the area you live.
A free complaints service
A new independent Private Landlord Ombudsman will help renters sort complaints against landlords quickly and fairly, without needing to go to court. It will also support landlords with tools, guidance and training on handling complaints from tenants early.
Progressing future plans - warmer and safer homes
The government is also continuing work to improve living conditions in privately rented homes. Consultations will inform their timelines.
New rules in the future will raise the standard of rented homes - tackling damp, mould and dangerous conditions. Landlords will need to fix serious hazards faster and make homes more energy efficient, helping tenants stay warm and cut bills.
Quick landlord action to fix hazards
The government is looking to extend Awaab’s Law to private rentals - forcing landlords to act fast when homes are unsafe. A consultation on how best to do this will be launched soon, so private tenants can benefit from protections like those already supporting social housing tenants.
Greener homes by 2030
By 2030, all privately rented homes must meet new energy efficiency standards (EPC rating C or better) unless exempt. That means better insulation, lower bills and greener living.
A new Decent Homes Standard by 2035 for private rentals
For the first time, the government will introduce a Decent Homes Standard for privately rented homes - a clear set of rules to make sure every rented property is safe, warm and in good repair.
This new standard will help raise the bar across the board, giving renters confidence that their home meets basic safety and quality rules - and giving councils more power to crack down on landlords who don’t meet them.
Prime Minister visits Armenia
This week the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer attended the European Political Community summit in Armenia.
Ahead of the summit he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commending him for his work and the courage and strength of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia’s ongoing attacks.
The leaders discussed Ukraine’s momentum on the battlefield, and the President updated on the latest from the frontline.
Both agreed on the importance of stepping up defence industrial collaboration with European partners to defend Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Read more here: PM meeting with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 3 May 2026 - GOV.UK
He met with EU officials, including President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to discuss their commitment to improving the relationship between the UK and EU to deliver for consumers, businesses and collective European security.
Read more here: Joint statement following a meeting between the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer - GOV.UK
Right to try legislation
New legislation that comes into force this week will support disabled people with a ‘right to try’ work without losing benefits.
More than a third (37 percent) of disabled people and people with health conditions told the DWP Work Aspirations survey that they want to work, but are held back by fear of losing their benefits.
The landmark legislation – coming into force this week– means entering employment will not automatically trigger benefit reassessment for claimants on new-style Employment and Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Universal Credit health element.
Read more here: Right to Try - GOV.UK
Local News
Meeting with local residents
It was great to meet my constituent Barry Froggatt this week, who I am currently assisting. I am out all year round working on local issues. Please get in touch by calling 0121 392 8426, or emailing preet.gill.mp@parliament.uk.
Guidance for World Cup 2026 for teachers
A fantastic guide for teachers on World Cup 2025 Cross-curricular Educational Resource pack for World Cup 2026 is available for all schools.
If you're a teacher, or know a teacher you can access it here: FIFA World Cup 2026 Activity Pack: 80+ Pages of Global Exploration! | Teaching Resources or alternatively, you can download the pack for free, without signing up to anything from https://buymeacoffee.com/kteam under the 'shop' section.
Announcement of Woodgate, Bartley Green Chair
Congratulations to Pete West on being successfully appointed as Chair of the Woodgate Pride in Place Board. I am delighted we now have a Chair in place and look forward to working together to ensure the £20 million investment is fairly spent across Woodgate and Bartley Green.
Pete is a proud Bartley Green local with more than 20 years of experience in the Civil Service, bringing valuable knowledge and leadership to the role.
I recently met with Pete to discuss the funding and begin planning priorities for the Board.
Want to share your thoughts on the Pride in Place investment? Feedback here: https://forms.gle/QvJxjdkNLaa14xdG8
Girls' football festival at Blue Coat School
On Friday, I visited Blue Coat School’s new girls’ football festival, set up by Avani and her dad who have been working hard to get the games organised.
It was fantastic to see young girls getting involved in football and sharing pure joy on the pitch.
Well done to everyone involved!
Birmingham Stroke Club – Arts4Stroke exhibition
The South Birmingham Stroke Club has opened its Arts4Stroke’s south exhibition, an inspiring event funded by the Birmingham City Council’s Neighbourhood Network Scheme in Northfield and Edgbaston.
The ‘Arts4Stroke’s south exhibition will be held at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham from Monday 4th May to Saturday, 30th May, in conjunction with National Stroke Awareness Month and the Stroke Association’s Make May Purple campaign.
If you're interested in attending visit: Arts4Stroke exhibition to celebrate creativity and hope after stroke
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'm 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 | ||
10 May 2026 | Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS | 8:00am to midday |
To find the next pick-ups near you, please visit: Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locations | Mobile Household Waste Centres | Birmingham City Council
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
Drop-in Session - MILEBROOK HALL
10:00AM - 11:00AM, Thu 14 May 2026
Milebrook Hall, 143-151 Field Lane, Birmingham
Bike Register Event
10:00AM - 11:00AM, Sat 16 May 2026
Woodgate Valley Car Park, Bartley Green
Drop-in Session - HOLLOWAY HALL
10:00AM - 11:00AM, Mon 01 June 2026
Holloway Hall, Holloway, Birmingham
Edgbaston
PCSO walkabout
4:00PM - 5:00PM, Thu 14 May 2026
Calthorpe estate
PCSO walkabout
4:00PM - 5:00PM, Sat 23 May 2026
QE Hospital, Mindelsohn Way
Harborne
PCSO walkabout
10:00AM - 11:30AM, Sat 16 May 2026
Hagley Road West, Harborne
PCSO walkabout
4:00PM - 6:00PM, Sat 23 May 2026
Hagley Road West, Harborne
cuppa with a coppa
3:00PM - 5:00PM, Sat 30 May 2026
Boston Tea Party Harborne Village.
Quinton
Drop in surgery
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Tue 12 May 2026
Quinton Library, 80 Ridgacre Road
PCSO walkabout
8:00PM - 9:00PM, Thu 14 May 2026
Chichester area of Quinton ward
Find more information here: Birmingham | West Midlands Police
Here’s ten things the Government delivered in England last week you may have missed:
💷 The Children's Wellbeing & Schools Act means families could save up to £1,000 a year with free breakfast clubs, expanded free school meals and limits of branded uniforms
🏠 The Government has announced new rules to stop new council homes being sold off for 35 years to restore fairness to the system
🧑⚕️ Three years ahead of schedule, the Government has delivered its promise to deliver 8,500 more mental health workers in the NHS
🏠 New Renters’ Rights Act came into force banning no-fault evictions and ending bidding wars - the biggest increase to renters’ rights in a generation
❌ The Crime and Policing Act became law, introducing a new specific offence of assaulting a retail worker and an end to the £200 shoplifting loophole so offenders face proper justice
📈 The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act became law, delivering the biggest transfer of power out of Westminster to England’s regions and communities for a century, sparking growth across our region
🚫 The Government is delivering a world-leading landmark smoking ban to stop the cycle of addiction and protect children with the Tobacco and Vapes Act
⚖️ The Victims and Courts Act became law, which will mean offenders are required to attend their sentencing hearing
✅ The Government removed the hereditary right to sit and vote in the House of Lords
🤝 The new 'Right to Try' has come into effect, meaning disabled people and people with health conditions can now try out work to see if it works for them, without fear of immediately losing their benefits
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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