I welcomed a £1.17 million funding boost for Heart of Worcestershire (HoW) College, with significant investment directed to the Redditch campus. The funding, part of the Government’s FE College Condition Allocation, will upgrade digital connectivity and accelerate the transition to net-zero infrastructure. I secured the investment to ensure students learn in a modern, sustainable environment equipped for future careers. This is about more than bricks and mortar - it’s about investing in the...

I recently visited Carers Careline to highlight the extraordinary work of unpaid carers in the community. Meeting with Chief Officer Erica Gibson Di Meo, I discussed the immense pressures carers face - from financial strain to mental health challenges. I praised the charity for providing essential advice and emotional support to those balancing care for loved ones with work and family life. Unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities. They often work tirelessly behind the scenes, and...

I pledged urgent support for the Redditch Local History Museum after trustees received a three-month eviction notice. With the deadline looming in July, I warned that the town’s heritage could be lost without swift action. My office is working closely with Redditch Borough Council to identify vacant town-centre premises for the museum’s 7,000-strong collection. Our history matters. If we are serious about our Town of Culture 2028 bid, we must preserve and celebrate our heritage for future...