Weekly Update
In the final week before MP’s go on Christmas Recess, a landmark announcement was made concerning homelessness and rough sleeping that will have a profound impact of many residents across Enfield North.
Having inherited a housing crisis at boiling point, we can’t keep sticking plasters on it. That is why we are investing nearly £1 billion into tackling homelessness, and we will ban Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions where the Tories failed to do so.
In Enfield, the council will be set to receive over £17 million to support homelessness and rough sleeping programmes next financial year. This support is a lifeline, and will help Enfield Council to reduce, shorten, and halt returns to homelessness and rough sleeping, by tackling the problem at its roots.
And by banning Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, we will see families secure in their homes, and reduce the numbers of people needing homelessness support from the council.
This is the real difference a Labour government can make.
And as 2024 draws to a close, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas, and the very best wishes for 2025.
Royal Mail Delivery Office Visit
I had an enjoyable morning this Thursday meeting the postmen and postwomen who work hard all year round to deliver our mail come rain or shine.
As the Christmas rush was underway, I had the pleasure to talk to posties and support staff about the pressures of the job but, more importantly, the joy and pride they have in their work.
The team at the Southbury delivery office show passion in their work, and it was a pleasure to drop by and thank them personally for all they do to serve our community.
Adjournment Debate
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure to respond to an Adjournment Debate, as the government minister, on the important and emotional issue of ‘Internet service providers and dangerous online suicide-related content’. You can watch my response here.
The debate was brought by Richard Burgon MP, following the suicide of his constituent after they accessed a website that encourages people to consider suicide. In response to his harrowing account, I committed that from next Spring, social media platforms and search engines will need to proactively take down illegal content or face massive fines or even business disruption measures. Under the Online Safety Act, encouraging or assisting suicide has become a priority offence.
In addition, to protect children, under draft child safety codes, any site that allows content that promotes self-harm, eating disorders or suicide will now have to use highly effective age limits to stop children from accessing such content.
These measures will ensure that tech companies play their part in the efforts to reduce suicides.
The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre visit
It was a great pleasure to visit the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre on Baker Street this morning. I was able to chat with staff of the centre, as well as the CEO Nick Jacobs.
I learned of the great work that the centre does to provide crucial support to people affected by cancer, which is a great local asset to people in Enfield North and beyond.
If you or your family are affected by cancer, you can access their support by accessing their website below:
St Matthews Church Ponders End
Last Sunday saw the official re-opening of St Matthew’s Church in Ponders End, and I had the pleasure to attend their first service, a momentous occasion.
Closed since 2019, the church was originally earmarked for demolition. But after much help from the community in Ponders End and across Enfield, the church was able to gather enough support to re-open.
It was amazing to see the church back into full service, ready to serve the local community and its needs.