Preet Kaur Gill - My Weekly Update - 23 January 2026
- Preet Kaur Gill MP
- 2 hours ago
- 9 min read
This Week the Government Announced...
Guidance for under-16s online use
This week the Government announced a three-month consultation focused on measures to keep children safe online.
This will include the option of banning social media for children below a certain age. And raising the digital age of consent – to stop companies using and profiting from children’s data without their parents' consent.
This will be a formal consultation but also a national conversation – putting the views of parents, and crucially children, at the centre. It will take place alongside the evidence base rapidly developing, both in the UK and abroad, especially in Australia.
Alongside the main consultation document, the government will also publish a version of the consultation aimed specifically at children (with simpler, age-appropriate language) so their voices are heard in this debate of national importance. This government has monitored the problem of mobile phones in schools, working closely with the sector, to understand what guidance is needed to ensure our children are safe online.
Read more here: Government to drive action to improve children’s relationship with mobile phones and social media - GOV.UK
Increase Police funding
The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood announced police forces in England and Wales will receive the largest investment in British history to keep communities safe. A record £18.4 billion investment is being made across forces to restore neighbourhood policing, reduce crime and catch criminals. This is an increase of £3.3 billion and a 11% real terms increase compared to 23/24 when the previous Government were in power. For West Midlands Police this is a 12% increase in spending in real terms, to provide much needed return to neighbourhood policing strategy.
Alongside this investment, the government will introduce the Neighbourhood Policing Ringfence to move officers behind desks out into communities. This will help to fix the broken current funding model, which sees the Home Office forcing chiefs to maintain arbitrary officer headcounts each year via the Officer Maintenance Grant. This has led to forces hiring uniformed officers and then putting them in back-office roles, instead of being out in communities, tracking down suspects and attending call outs from victims.
The number of trained police officers in desk-based support roles has soared by over 40% to more than 12,600 in the last six years as a result, while the total number of officers only increased by around 20% in the same period. Back-office roles filled by uniformed officers include HR and IT support.
The announcement comes as Birmingham will have two dedicated neighbourhood officer in every ward, read more here: Major Neighbourhood Policing Boost for Birmingham as MPs secure extra resources
Biggest change to water regulation in a generation
A new once-in-a-generation plan to overhaul the water system and protect households from disruption has been unveiled this week.
The plan sets out clear powers for the new regulator, delivering tougher oversight and stronger accountability for water companies. For the first time in two decades, a Chief Engineer will sit inside the new single water regulator. The new regulator will introduce an ‘MOT’ approach for water company infrastructure, requiring health checks on pipes, pumps and more.
This forward-looking approach means no more waiting to act, spotting problems before they happen and preventing water shortages. These reforms put prevention first, requiring companies and bosses to plan for the long-term. Where companies fall short, the new Performance Improvement Regime will give the regulator the power to act fast and fix failures so that underperforming water companies recover faster, protecting customers and the environment and giving stability to investors.
At the same time, a roll-out of smart metering and mandatory efficiency labels on items like dishwashers and washing machines will help households monitor their water use and cut costs – delivering savings of over £125 million on water and energy bills over the next decade.
Read more here: News | Preet Kaur Gill MP
Rewiring at Whitehall
This week, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Darren Jones announced that the Government would be making major reforms to rewire Whitehall and modernise public services.
Within the announcement, the Government said it will:
Slash bureaucratic checks, following a pilot in HMRC which cut approval
processes from 40 to two, saving two to three months in delivery time.
Deploy new taskforces, learning from the successes of the Vaccine Taskforce,
which have a direct line to the top of government to remove obstacles to change.
Expand the No10 Innovation Fellows programme to bring in more external
challenge and specialist digital skills.
Promote the “doers”, not the “talkers” in the senior civil service, by placing
greater value on frontline delivery, innovation and private sector experience. We will also focus bonuses on those who excel in their roles, and dismiss those who are assessed as underperforming but fail to improve.
Launch a National School of Government and Public Services to provide
world-class training for a more digital approach to government
Read more about the plans here: “Move fast, fix things” – Darren Jones sets out plan to rewire Whitehall and incentivise innovation in the civil service - GOV.UK
New Growth package announced
This week, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle announced a package that will get growth rising across our country and raise living standards in the process. Slashing red tape, providing stability, and putting in the investment that our businesses need.
This growth package includes:
The British Business Bank making its largest ever direct investment into a private company, Kraken Technologies, so it can scale-up and create jobs and prosperity here in Britain.
A landmark investment of £100m in key Industrial Strategy sectors.
Measures to dramatically simplify business regulation, including removing unnecessary paperwork and streamlining compliance checks for businesses, part of this Government’s plan to slash administrative costs by 25%
These actions will get growth rising, to create an economy that can deliver prosperity for all
Read more here: Business Secretary backs British scaleups with growth package and red tape review - GOV.UK
Warm Homes plan launched
This week the Government unveiled the Warm Homes Plan, the biggest ever investment in home upgrades to cut fuel poverty for up to 1 million families.
Under the Warm Homes Plan, support will be targeted at low income families, alongside a universal offer to ensure every type of household in the country, regardless of income, will have the chance to benefit from clean power upgrades to cut their energy bills.
The affordability crisis is the number one issue facing families in the country, that’s why Labour is acting to take £150 of costs off energy bills from April, and delivering record investment into upgrading homes to cut bills.
The Warm Homes Plan will mean millions more families can benefit from clean power technologies ranging from solar panels, to heat pumps, batteries and insulation that will bring down bills. In addition, the Government is also unveiling new protections for renters, to ensure landlords invest in upgrades to cut bills for renters and social tenants
Watch the video above for more information.
Also, read more here: UK households to get £15bn for solar and green tech to lower energy bills - BBC News
£1.5 Billion Package to Restore National Pride
This week the Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy that £1.5 billion will be invested in cultural organisations over the next five years. This funding will protect and restore more than 1,000 arts venues, museums, libraries, and heritage buildings across the country. Tackling urgent capital needs, preserve local heritage, and provide accessible, no- or low-cost cultural experiences for families.
The £1.5 billion of funding is made up of:
£760 million for museums
£425 million Creative Foundations Fund which will support approximately 300 capital projects in arts venues across the country
£230 million for heritage protecting and preserving heritage buildings, including listed places of worship, across the country
£27.5 million for Libraries Improvement Fund which supports public libraries to upgrade their buildings and technology to meet changing needs to better serve their communities.
£80 million capital funding over four years to benefit National Portfolio organisations that receive regular investment from Arts Council England. This is part of a 5% uplift next year for these organisations that will help deliver arts and culture activity in every local authority
Local News
Birmingham Bins strike
This week I spoke in Westminster Hall about the ongoing bin strike and dispute with Birmingham City Council. I highlighted the concerns from residents around the issues and how it has greatly impacted all residents across our beloved city. I urged an agreement to be made so we can restore and ensure people have the right support for public services.
Watch my full speech above or on Youtube here: Preet Kaur Gill MP on Birmingham Bins debate
Politics Midlands appearance
Last Sunday you may have tuned in to my appearance on the panel for Politics Midlands. We spoke on a range of topics including: West Midlands Police Chief Constable retirement, Coventry City of Culture and local Council elections.
You can watch my full appearance here: Preet on Politics Midlands 18-01-26
Meeting with Head of Parks at Birmingham City Council
This week I met with Head of Parks at Birmingham City Council to discuss the work he's been doing and we will continue to do to ensure our parks are in the best shape they can be.
Have your say on Pride in Place funding for Woodgate 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, pressure on community facilities, and a lack of support for growth. This investment aims to reverse years of underfunding by restoring services, creating opportunities, 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.
Meeting with Edgbaston Sailing Club
This week I met with Edgbaston sailing club to discuss the opportunities for them to apply for Pride in Place Impact fund and the excellent support and work they do for our Edgbaston reservoir.
Keeping our high streets alive
Our high streets are at the heart of our communities but they won’t thrive by accident.
Yesterday at More in Common and Post Office's, Future of Our High Streets event, we talked about the need for real vision, strong local leadership and involving residents in shaping the places they use every day.
Great to meet Theo Paphitis and hear how businesses are stepping up to keep high streets alive.
Doorknocking in Bartley Green
On Friday I went doorknocking for residents along Hayley Green Road in Bartley Green. It was great to chat to residents face to face to hear about their issues.
I'll be doorknocking across the constituency every week - I hope to speak with lots of you!
Age UK and ending corridor care
Corridor care must end. Thanks to Age UK for arranging an informative drop in.
After years of previous Government cuts, our NHS is stretched to the limit.
I support Wes Streeting’s commitment to end corridor care and will keep pushing for dignified care for all.
Venturefest West Midlands returns for 2026
The Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton is the venue for the popular event on Tuesday, 10 March, co-hosted by West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands, and sponsored by Medilink Midlands.
Now in its 11th year, Venturefest West Midlands brings together some of the brightest minds in the business and academic worlds, offering a unique platform to raise their profile by connecting them with influential decision-makers, national investors, partners and support organisations.
The one-day event is also an opportunity to hear from inspirational speakers and take part in panel discussions and workshops. There will also be an exhibition of innovative products.
Read more here: Venturefest West Midlands | Conference and Exhibition bringing science, innovation and technology entrepreneurs and investors together.
Barnsley Road HMO certificate - REFUSED
A planning application for continued use as a large Home of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) has been refused by the council. The proposed seven-bed Home of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) has been rejected by Birmingham City Council.
Thanks my constituents who shared their views with planning officers regarding this application.
Why I'm Blue Labour and why the state must be brave again
I recently shared an article about my affiliation with Labour, I've made my full article available here: Why I'm blue Labour and why the state must be brave again
Job Fair exhibition in Birmingham
The Bridge are organising job fairs across the UK, including in Birmingham set to take place at St Andrews Stadium on 30th January, 17th April, 7th August and 6th November.
If you're interested you can learn more here:JANUARY SALE | The Bridge - Connecting People | Job Fairs across the UK
Here’s seven things the Government delivered in England last week:
🩺 Waiting lists are down by more than 312,000 – with an 86,000 drop in November alone
🚄 We are backing Northern Powerhouse Rail – giving the North the transport links the region deserves
👷 We have unlocked thousands of clean energy jobs for people in Scotland with £3 billion of private investment bringing secure, clean energy to people right across the United Kingdom
👶 Stronger parental leave rights laid before Parliament this week will give millions of working families the security they deserve
🎭 We have opened applications for the first-ever UK Town of Culture competition
🤝 By reforming the Disability Confident Scheme, disabled people across the UK will have better opportunities with tailored support for small businesses
❌ Immigration enforcement raids are at the highest level in British history as we restore order to the immigration system
👩🏫Our £200 million landmark SEND training programme will upskill staff in every school, college and nursery so the right support will be there at every stage of a child’s education
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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