Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update: 9th-13th November
This week...
Armistice Day
On Wednesday, we marked Armistice Day, remembering the moment the guns fell silent at 11am on 11 November 1918. Last week, I placed a cross in the Speaker’s Garden in Parliament on behalf of everyone in Birmingham Edgbaston. We owe it to those who served to keep their stories alive for the next generation.
A phone free school day
As a mum, I want children here in Birmingham Edgbaston to be able to concentrate in lessons and spend their breaks talking to their friends without the constant pull of their phones. This week, Education Secretary Lucy Powell announced that the Government will strengthen its guidance so pupils’ phones are kept out of reach throughout the school day, including at break and lunchtime.
Schools in England have been expected to follow statutory guidance on phone use since September. Yet only 16% of secondary pupils say their school’s phone rules are followed all the time. The new guidance will give headteachers clearer backing to keep phones out of reach. Schools can choose what works for them, whether that means collecting phones at the start of the day, providing secure storage or using lockable pouches. Schools can still make arrangements for pupils who need a device for medical reasons or because of a disability.
The Government is also asking for views on independent safety checks for classroom technology, including AI tools pupils use. As a former child protection social worker, I want parents to know how their child’s information is being used and teachers to have a clear way to judge whether a tool is safe before they bring it into the classroom.
Earlier this week, the Government also set out plans to protect Years 7 to 9 as a full three years of broad learning before GCSE courses normally begin in Year 10. I want children to have time to find out what they’ are good at, whether that is speaking up in a debate, playing an instrument or trying a new sport, before they have to narrow their options.
Read more here: Mobile phones in schools - GOV.UK
Extra GP support to help people stay well this winter
If you or someone you love is living with heart disease, a long term lung condition or frailty, a check up at the right time can make all the difference. This week, the Government announced £40 million for GP teams to give extra support to up to 300,000 people across England who are most at risk of becoming seriously unwell this winter.
For patients in Birmingham Edgbaston, that could mean your GP team getting in touch to offer a health check, review your medicines or arrange a home assessment. For someone with a lung condition like COPD, it could mean seeing a specialist nurse. I want people to get that help early, before things get so bad that they need to go to A&E.
This follows the Government’s earlier announcement of £140 million for 14 urgent care schemes. Here in Birmingham, that means a new Urgent Treatment Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital as part of a £33 million investment across Birmingham and Solihull. The GP funding is about helping people stay well at home. The new centre will give people who need urgent care another place to be seen.
Read more here: £40 million for GPs to keep vulnerable patients out of hospital this winter - GOV.UK
The Government is making residential care more personal
I started work as a care assistant at 16. I know how much it matters to open your door to someone who knows you, understands your routine and can tell when you’re having a difficult day. Too often, people have to explain what help they need to a different carer every day, while care workers are rushing across the city to their next visit.
This week, the Government announced plans to help councils organise home care around smaller neighbourhoods, with one or two main providers in each area. For families here in Birmingham Edgbaston, that could mean seeing the same carers more often and knowing there’s someone who will notice if Mum is eating less or Dad is struggling to get around. For care workers, it could mean shorter journeys and more time with the people they look after.
This follows September’s announcement of plans for a National Care Service in the next Parliament, including free personal care for older people based on their needs. Earlier this week, the Government also announced £40 million for GPs across England to help people most at risk of becoming seriously unwell this winter. That could mean an earlier check up or a review of someone’s medication before they need to go to hospital.
With new guidance due in the spring, I will be following how Birmingham City Council takes this forward. If you or someone you love receives care at home, I would like to hear what’s working and what needs to change.
A fairer deal for our pubs and restaurants
If you run a pub or restaurant in Birmingham Edgbaston, you already pay to have your empty bottles collected. You can also end up paying a recycling charge on those same bottles through the price you pay your supplier. This week, the Government announced it will tackle that double charge.
From April 2027, the packaging fee will be removed from glass drinks bottles sold directly by producers to pubs, restaurants and other licensed venues. The Government estimates savings of up to 6p per beer bottle and 10p per wine bottle. It gives the example of a pub selling 10,000 bottles of beer and 3,700 bottles of wine a year, which could save up to £870. For local businesses watching every cost, that matters.
The principle behind the scheme is right. Producers should help pay for the waste their packaging creates. The scheme has already provided £1.4 billion to councils to improve recycling services. In early 2027, PackUK will ask businesses for their views on making fees lower for materials like glass and paper that are easier to recycle, and higher for packaging that’s harder to recycle. The Government says fees for the most recyclable packaging could fall by up to 40% a year.
I also want British glassmakers to be able to compete on fair terms. The independent Trade Remedies Authority is investigating whether glass containers from China are being sold at unfairly low prices and whether imports from Turkey benefit from unfair subsidies. A provisional anti dumping measure on Chinese imports came into force on 9 September. Both investigations are ongoing.
Read more here: Government steps in to reduce packaging costs for British businesses and pubs - GOV.UK
Water bosses should answer for poor performance
When you pay your water bill, you expect a reliable service and rivers that are safe from sewage pollution. So I understand why people in Birmingham Edgbaston are angry when some water bosses see their pay go up while their companies continue to let customers down.
This week, Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle asked Ofwat to look at whether companies can get around the bonus ban through other forms of pay, such as payments to persuade executives to stay or large, unexplained rises in basic salary. If a company has performed badly enough to trigger a bonus ban, its bosses should not be able to make up the difference through a bigger pay packet.
The bonus ban has already blocked more than £10 million in its first two years. That includes more than £6.5 million in 2025-26 alone, when nine companies triggered the ban, including our local water company, Severn Trent.
Ofwat wants to hear from customers about how the rules should change. The review will help inform the Government’s wider plans to hold water companies to account through the forthcoming Water Bill.
Have your say in Ofwat’s review by 10 December: https://consult.ofwat.gov.uk/
Read more here: Water bosses must not be rewarded for failure by another name, says Environment Secretary - GOV.UK
In Birmingham Edgbaston
I marked Remembrance Sunday in Harborne
On Sunday, I joined residents at St Peter’s Church in Harborne and laid a wreath on behalf of Birmingham Edgbaston. It was a moment to come together as a community, remember those who gave their lives in service and think of the families who still live with that loss.
I congratulated St Paul's School for Girls
St Paul's School for Girls was recently named the top comprehensive school in Birmingham.
I wrote to the headteacher, Dr D E Casserly, to offer my congratulations to the pupils, teachers, and school community alike.
You can read my letter below.
What needs to change in supported exempt accommodation
Last week, I spoke at The Exchange at an event hosted by the University of Birmingham’s Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS) and City-REDI. We discussed what new regulation needs to deliver for people living in supported exempt accommodation and for the communities around them.
I spoke about the work I have been doing in Birmingham Edgbaston to challenge poor conditions and hold providers to account. When someone moves into supported housing, they should have a safe place to live and get the support they were promised. I want clear minimum standards for that support and for Birmingham City Council to act when providers fall short.
I spoke to University of Birmingham's Politics, Philosophy and Economics Society
On Thursday I spoke to the Politics, Philosophy and Economics society at the University of Birmingham.
It was fantastic to speak to such an engaged group of students about my role and journey to becoming an MP.
Pothole repairs begin on Station Road, Harborne
This week, resurfacing began on Station Road in Harborne after I repeatedly raised the potholes with Birmingham City Council and pressed for repairs.
I know how frustrating it has been for residents and drivers who use Station Road every day. I am glad to see the work finally under way.
Media
Sky News - Welfare Reform
This week I spoke to Sky News following Prime Minister's Questions about the need to lower the country's welfare bill
Listen to my interview below.
LBC Radio - Early Release
On Tuesday I spoke to LBC Radio about the government's early release scheme, a programme which seeks to free up much-needed prison space so that the most dangerous criminals can be imprisoned.
This follows my recent correspondence to the Justice Secretary, in which I suggested improvements to safeguarding for domestic violence victims whose abusers may be included in the early release scheme.
Listen to my interview below.
The Week in Westminster - Immigration Reform
This week I spoke to the BCC about the Home Secretary's immigration reforms.
Listen to my interview below.
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.
You may have missed...
I welcomed University of Birmingham students to Parliament
It was great to welcome students from the University of Birmingham’s School of Government and School of Social Policy and Society to Parliament earlier last week about what it is like to be an MP in Westminster and answer their questions about the issues that matter most to them.
It is fantastic to see young people so interested in politics and always a pleasure to host constituents in Parliament. If you live in the Edgbaston constituency and would like to visit Parliament, please contact me at preet.gill.mp@parliament.uk
I attended University of Birmingham's Life Sciences Quarter reception in Parliament
This week, Birmingham’s Health and Life Sciences Quarter held a launch event in the Houses of Parliament, showcasing the region’s outstanding research and innovation capability on a national stage.
Birmingham’s Health and Life Sciences Quarter is a leading UK and international hub for health-related research and innovation.
The Quarter brings together academic prowess, top clinical expertise and state-of-the-art research facilities to create one of the UK’s most exciting life sciences start-up ecosystems. The tight geographic connection fosters collaboration, with the whole research pipeline possible in one place, from discovery science to clinical trials and translational studies.
The Government has announced a consultation on Supported Exempt Accommodation
When it works, Supported Exempt Accommodation saves lives and money.
However, as I have seen time and time again across Birmingham Edgbaston, bad actors have been allowed to exploit the system and profit from the neglect of people who are suffering.
I welcome the Government's consultation on new regulation, and encourage all stakeholders - including residents - to have their say by completing the survey below.
Feed into the consultation by 15th December here: Supported housing licensing regime: consultation on draft regulations - GOV.UK
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.
Have your say via the following methods:
· 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/
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.
Community Wins
In North Edgbaston:
Folllwing several complaints over Summer of unauthorised large-scale events on Summerfield Park involving considerable littering, antisocial behaviour, and disruption to local residents, I wrote to Birmingham City Council to request action on this issue.
The Council recently responded to inform me that landscaping works will soon be undertaken to improve boundary security and to improve accessibility to the children's play area.
In Harborne:
All potholes on Station Road are now being repaired, after many months of reporting this issue to Birmingham City Council. Thank you to residents who have taken the time to write to me about this issue.
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
Mobile Household Waste Centre dates and locations
Birmingham City Council arranges Mobile Household Waste Centres across the city.
Bartley Green | ||
Date | Location | Time |
8 December 2026 | Woodgate Valley Park car park, Clapgate Lane, B32 3DS | 7:30am to 12:30pm |
North Edgbaston | ||
Date | Location | Time |
14 November 2026 | George Dixon Academy car park, Stanmore Road, B16 9SU | 8:00am to midday |
19 December 2026 | George Dixon Academy car park, Stanmore Road, B16 9SU | 8:00am to midday |
Quinton | ||
Date | Location | Time |
25 January 2027 | Quinton Park car park, Highfield Lane, B32 1QX | 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.
PCSO walkabout
4:00PM - 6:00PM, Sat 07 November 2026
Hagley Road, Edgbaston
PCSO walkabout
5:00PM - 7:00PM, Thu 19 November 2026
Hagley Road, Edgbaston
PACT meeting
7:00PM - 8:30PM, Fri 27 November 2026
Westpoint suite Delta Hotels by Marriott Birmingham 12 Hagley Road, Five Ways, Birmingham, B16 8SJ
PCSO walkabout
10:00AM - 12:00PM, Sat 14 November 2026
Hagley Road West, Harborne
PCSO walkabout
12:00PM - 2:00PM, Tue 24 November 2026
Hagley Road West, Harborne
Find more information here: Birmingham | West Midlands Police
Cuppa with a Coppa
10:00AM - 11:00AM, Mon 07 December 2026
Holloway Hall, Holloway, Bartley Green, Birmingham
Cuppa with a Coppa
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Wed 09 December 2026
St Francis Centre, Glen Side, Bartley Green, Birmingham.
Drop in Surgery
10:30AM - 11:30AM, Tue 15 December 2026
Quinton Library, Ridgacre Road, Birmingham, B32 2TW
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:
📍 Landmark immigration reforms
💵 My statement on the budget
🚲 Ending 'wild-west' E-Bike activity
Read last week's update here: Preet Kaur Gill MP - My Weekly Update: 2nd - 6th November
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