Weekly Round-Up
The Government tried to make this week about their anti-social behaviour crackdown, but all it did was highlight their poor record on policing and their failure to keep communities safe.
On Wednesday Angela Rayner highlighted the impact of austerity on our local policing and services. After 13 years of this government, we have 20,000 fewer police officers on our streets. In Enfield North, I have highlighted the fact that two wards do not even have a single PSCO and we still do not have the police numbers we need. I have been raising this with the MET and formally wrote to Sir Mark Rowley last week regarding this and will follow up with further correspondence. We cannot have cuts to police officers just when we need them most.
We also saw the return of the Illegal Migration Bill to Parliament (in the committee stage). This bill is a sham and inhumane, designed only to chase headlines. It won't work and will make the situation worse. When Labour left power in 2010 the asylum backlog was fewer than 20,000. Now it stands at 166,000 — an eightfold increase, as the official statistics watchdog has confirmed. The Tories are failing to tackle the human traffickers and gangs behind the perilous small boat issue.
With local elections looming, Labour Leader Keir Starmer announced Labour would freeze council tax rises, funded through a windfall tax, saving working people money on their bills.
Sporting Aid
On Monday we celebrated Great Britain’s brightest sporting prospects at SportsAid’s parliamentary reception.
It was great to see the country’s up-and-coming sporting talent live in action!
The future is bright for our future athletic stars.
Section 21 Evictions
This week I published a piece on Section 21 Evictions in Enfield.
Sadly, Enfield has the highest rate of Section 21 evictions in London and despite promising a “better deal for renters” in 2019, the Government has done nothing to protect private renters.
You can read the full article here
20’s Plenty Update
This week I wrote to the Chief Executive of Enfield Council regarding a 20mph speed limit being introduced on Clive Road, Percival Road and Bertram Road.
Residents want an end to the rat running and dangerous speeds on there roads, they want a 20mph speed limit introduced – the data is there, now we need some action.
To ensure any potential scheme is implemented as soon as practically possible, I will be pushing for funding from Transport for London and The Department of Transport on behalf of residents.
Letter to Ofcom and the Royal Mail
Following a number of concerns from residents, I have written to Ofcom voicing concerns with the management and prioritisation of deliveries within the Royal Mail.
Constituents are waiting on time-sensitive letters and cannot afford to wait any longer for the service.
The recent BEIS Select Committee Report was damning of the failures within the Royal Mail and residents deserve answers.
NHS Parliamentary Awards
A quick reminder that we’re looking for outstanding local nominees for the 2023 NHS Awards. If you know anyone who has innovated, impressed and made a real difference to how our healthcare system locally please let me know at feryal.clark.mp@parliament.uk
You can see my piece in the dispatch here
