I have strengthened partnership working with Homes England and Redditch Borough Council to increase the delivery of affordable and social housing locally. Meeting with senior officials, discussions focused on unlocking national funding, identifying under-used land and ensuring new developments meet high design and space standards. A joint land exercise has revealed additional viable sites, while confirmation of funding through the Social and Affordable Homes Programme from 20

I welcomed Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust’s decision to return previously sold-off land at Alexandra Hospital to NHS use, securing vital space for future healthcare expansion. During a visit to the site, I met senior Trust leaders to discuss capacity pressures and long-term planning. With much of the hospital already operating near full capacity, the land will now be protected for clinical purposes rather than retail, giving the Trust breathing room and certainty to

I welcomed the return of West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway to public ownership - a landmark moment for Redditch and the Villages. After years of rising fares, delays and services run for private profit, trains will now operate under Great British Railways, putting passengers first. I highlighted the benefits for commuters, local businesses and communities, stressing accountability and reliability. Combined with the Government’s first rail fare freeze in 30

I visited St Augustine’s Catholic High School and Sixth Form to meet pupils and staff and hear directly from young people about the issues affecting them locally and nationally. Welcomed by Principal Luke Payton, I toured classrooms and specialist centres to learn more about the school’s academic and pastoral work. I joined Year 9 GCSE Citizenship students for a lively Q&A on Parliament and decision-making and later met the Mission Team to discuss mental health, community lif

I marked Holocaust Memorial Day by signing the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment in Parliament and attending local commemorations in Redditch. I pledged to remember the six million Jewish victims, honour survivors and speak out against antisemitism. At the town’s service, I laid a rose at the Holocaust Marker and reflected on testimonies, including Bosnian war survivor Lejla Golos. Remembrance only endures if passed on, and saying ‘never again’ means challengin

I visited Reavell Defence Applications at its Centre of Excellence on Claybrook Drive, Redditch, to highlight the importance of local manufacturing and defence jobs. The visit included a tour of the factory floor and discussions on how Parliament and Government can better support defence manufacturers and local supply chains. Reavell, part of Ingersoll Rand, has supplied specialist technology to the Ministry of Defence since 1907 and works closely with hundreds of local SMEs.

I visited Oak Hill First School in Lodge Park to meet pupils, teachers and Principal Sarah Allen as part of my commitment to visit every school across Redditch and the Villages. Touring classrooms, I spoke with children about their favourite subjects and future ambitions, praising their enthusiasm and confidence. Discussions also focused on the school’s support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and the dedication of staff in helping every child thrive

I visited Church Lench CE First School to meet pupils and staff and hear directly from young constituents about the issues that matter to them. During a session with the school council, pupils raised concerns about road safety, including speeding traffic, unsafe parking and the need for better crossings, signage and lighting, suggesting practical measures to keep children safe. They also spoke about littering, caring for the local environment and ensuring children’s voices ar

I welcomed National Highways’ confirmation of a new safety study on the M5 motorway island, following months of sustained pressure from residents, local councillors and the Wychbold Residents’ Association. The roundabout’s current layout was acknowledged as substandard, particularly for those accessing it from Amphlett Way. While a full £100 million replacement is not currently viable, the study will explore practical improvements to enhance safety. I praised the cross-party

I wrote to Worcestershire County Council demanding clear answers over gritting and road safety failures during recent snow and icy conditions. Following widespread reports from residents across Redditch and the Villages, I raised concerns about untreated roads and pavements, skidding vehicles and hazardous junctions, causing particular anxiety for vulnerable people. I stressed that my intervention is not a criticism of frontline gritting teams but focuses on planning, priorit

I visited Church Hill Middle School to meet pupils, staff and Principal Laura Jarvis, discussing the school’s positive improvement journey and future priorities. During a student-led Q&A session with the School Council and Head Pupils, I answered thoughtful questions about Parliament, local decision-making and how young people can make their voices heard. I praised pupils for their confidence, curiosity and civic awareness, describing them as “a real credit to the school.” Hi

I welcomed the Minister for the Armed Forces, Alistair Carns MP, to Redditch for a visit celebrating the strength of the local Armed Forces community. Together we visited 37 Signal Regiment, meeting reservists, soldiers and staff to discuss training, modernisation and the Regiment’s vital role in defence communications. The visit also included joining members of the Royal British Legion for the dedication of the “Jarvis Room” at Bridley Moor & Batchley Social Club, recognisin

I thanked hundreds of local school children across Redditch and the Villages for entering this year’s Christmas card competition. The winning design is by Maggie from Woodfield Academy, which will feature on the front of my constituency Christmas card. Runners-up Alice from St Pete’s Catholic Middle School, Jacob from Walkwood Middle School, Ivana from St Thomas Mall Catholic First School and Henok from Picture Oak School will also be featured. I also thanked sponsors 10 Pin,

I updated residents on the campaign against plans for a 51‑person HMO on the former Hotel Rafiya site in Winyates Green. I praised local residents and the Winyates Green Residents Association for submitting nearly 500 objections to Redditch Borough Council, calling the proposal “completely unsuitable and inappropriate” for the area. I urged planning officers to use their delegated powers to reject the application without it going to committee and pledged to attend any plannin

I celebrated Small Business Saturday by meeting local entrepreneurs, including The Redditch Craft Bakery and Rusty’s Collectables, highlighting the vital role small businesses play in keeping Redditch’s high streets vibrant. I praised the dedication of family-run shops and independent retailers, noting that Redditch has nearly 4,000 small and medium-sized businesses. I highlighted recent government support, including energy bill cuts, expanded apprenticeships and increased fu

I met with Chief Fire Officer Jonathon Pryce KFSM to discuss local fire and rescue priorities in Redditch and the surrounding villages. They discussed recruitment, community fire safety, home visits and joint working between fire and police services. I praised firefighters for their vital work and highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships to keep communities safe. I welcomed the opportunity to deepen engagement and ensure residents benefit from improved emergen

I hosted a well-attended Coffee Morning at the REDI Centre, fulfilling my pledge to be accessible and listen directly to residents. Over 30 local people attended, raising issues including the rise of Houses in Multiple Occupation, dangerous driving, parking pressures, anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping. I committed to raising these concerns with the council, police and health bodies to push for practical solutions. I thanked attendees for sharing their experiences and conf

I joined West Mercia Police on patrol in Redditch town centre as part of the government’s “Winter of Action” initiative. The campaign targets shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour, with increased uniformed patrols and partnership work to protect shoppers, retail workers and visitors. I accompanied officers to see how they are tackling prolific offenders and supporting local businesses. I praised the work of neighbourhood policing teams and pledged to continue wor

I visited VIP Day Centre in Winyates to celebrate 10 years of award-winning, affordable dementia care in Redditch. I praised the centre’s person-centred approach, which helps reduce social isolation and enables people to remain at home longer. VIP Day Centre’s services cost just £11.95–£12.50 per hour, a fraction of domiciliary care and have won national recognition for quality and innovation. I highlighted the vital support the centre provides for families and pledged to cha

I thanked residents who attended my latest Coffee Morning at Batchley Community Centre, where local people raised concerns about fly tipping, damp and mould in homes, anti-social behaviour and road safety around Hewell Road and Batchley Road. Residents also highlighted the need for more youth provision, school parking solutions and interest in a residents’ association. I confirmed my team is already following up cases with the council, housing providers and police. I will now