In Parliament
With Parliament returning from recess on Tuesday, it has been an eventful week and I have been busy in a number of meetings making the case for Broxtowe.
19th April was my first meeting as a new member of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee where an evidence session took place with senior officials. I asked Richard Blakeway, the Housing Ombudsman, to comment on concerns that providers were not proactively raising awareness of the Ombudsman service among their tenants in accordance with the complaint handling code. To Jonathan Walters, Deputy Chief Executive of the Regulator of Social Housing, I made sure to specify the importance that social housing tenants are actively listened to by their provider as monitored through the Tenant Involvement and Empowerment Standard. I am looking forward to continuing to be a part of this incredibly important Committee.
On Wednesday, I attended a Parliamentary Reception in support of Diabetes UK. Diabetes has a significant impact on the lives of many people in Broxtowe and across the UK. It was interesting to hear about challenges that individuals with diabetes have faced throughout the pandemic. We discussed ways to improve access to routine care appointments and help to reduce the complications that people with diabetes can often face.
Also, this week I was pleased to visit two events in support of those suffering from sight loss. Lego Braille Bricks are a fantastic idea to ensure that those who are visually impaired can easily build Lego with friends and family. It is a social, physical, emotional and fun way to learn braille.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) have distributed around 2,000 sets since the launch of the bricks. Schools and specialist teachers should be able to access a box for any children learning braille. These are provided freely by the LEGO Foundation with the RNIB covering the cost of distribution to local education authorities.
Additionally, I took part in a Guide Dogs event to support the All Things Equal Campaign. It is essential that children and young people with sight loss have access to the same opportunities as their peers who are fully sighted.
We have come a long way in supporting those with sight loss but there is a lot more that can be done. It is absolutely vital that we ensure that educational professionals have the necessary tailored support and materials they need to help children with sight loss achieve their full potential.
Furthermore, I held meetings with both the Mental Health Foundation and with Western Power Distribution to hear about their Community Matters Fund. This fund is geared towards tackling loneliness and isolation, which are key priority issues I am pushing for the Government to address.
On Thursday, I met with representatives from Nottinghamshire County Council’s Education Department regarding the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme. I am supporting their bid which, if successful, will provide the necessary funding to support a rebuild at the existing Chilwell School facility and allow the school to continue providing an excellent education for local pupils without concerns about the fabric of the buildings.
Constituency Visits
It was a pleasure to visit the Colin Dyson Centre Luncheon Club. The Club covers members from across Kimberley, Eastwood and the surrounding area. The Club is run by volunteers from Monday to Thursday each week.
It is great to see my constituents enjoying themselves whilst socialising over a fantastic lunch. As Vice Chair of the Loneliness All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), loneliness is something that I am passionate about. Clubs like this are perfect at reducing the isolation that some of my constituents feel.
To find out more, please visit https://www.ageconcerneastwood.org.uk/
Recently, I discussed the plans for Kimberley’s Levelling Up Bid during the Task and Finishing Group meeting. There is a need to ensure that we collaborate in order to make the best possible case for this excellent town to receive much needed funding.
I was also pleased to participate in the Towns Deal Executive Board meeting as I do every month, where we discussed various projects and their feasibility such as progressing plans for the new community and enterprise hubs as well as the Town Centre Recovery Fund to support local businesses in Stapleford.
These meetings are incredibly important to ensure that this money is spent as wisely as possible.
In addition to this, I chaired a meeting of the Stapleford Cycle Network Group. There are a lot of exciting developments linked to cycling and active travel in the town.
Last Saturday I had the pleasure of visiting Kimberley Craft Ales, a brand-new business newly opened in Kimberley. The co-owner and Kimberley resident, Joe, made a great suggestion to buy the RedDog Ale, one of the fantastic ales he stocks, which is brewed in Nottingham and sponsored by another Kimberley resident, John. I very much look forward to trying it!
On Easter Sunday, I joined Nottinghamshire Police in Awsworth at Bennerley Viaduct to look at tackling the issue of off-road bikes. This issue is prevalent across different parts of Broxtowe and I know it is often a real concern and nuisance for local residents. By working together with local police and the Council, I am confident we can begin to see real solutions to addressing this problem.
Yesterday, along with other Nottinghamshire MPs, I visited Nottinghamshire Police Headquarters to discuss our shared priorities and goals for tackling crime in the County. It was great to hear that Nottinghamshire is ahead of target in recruiting new officers and it was a pleasure to watch the passing out parade and meet with the new recruits who will be keeping our streets safe.
Constituency Surgeries
My next constituency surgery will be held on Sunday 29th May in Beeston. If you would like to book a surgery please contact my office at: darren.henry.mp@parliament.uk or by calling 0115 671 2530.
