It is a pleasure to welcome all of the students across Meriden and Solihull East back to school for another academic year. Whether you are going into a new year, meeting anew teacher, or even starting a new school, this is a time filled with nervous excitement and I wish you the best of luck as you start your journey. As a parent, I know this is an exciting but busy time. I hope that everyone has had a restful summer, and I wish all of our students the best of luck with the academic year ahead.
I had a wonderful time attending Dorridge Day this summer, it continues to be one of the highlights of my year and it is always a great family day out. It was so heartening to see so many families and children enjoying the festivities and so many worthwhile causes in attendance. Congratulations to Round Table for hosting yet another successful Dorridge day and even ensuring that the sun was shining! I was so pleased to see that all the proceeds from the day were donated to Edward’s Trust, a bereavement charity in the West Midlands, that carries out vital work in the community.
As I have previously written, I am disappointed in the Chancellor’s insistence on cutting the winter fuel allowance. Despite the numerous calls from across the house and civil society for this cut to be stopped, the new government remain fixed on its current course, without proper regard for the outcome. Having recently met with Age UK to discuss the ramifications of this policy I am more aware than ever of the negative effect it will have on society, with more than 18,500 pensioners affected. Stopping the winter fuel allowance for pensioners not eligible for pension credits will leave many of our society’s most vulnerable individuals without the ability to turn on their heating this winter for fear of being unable to pay the rising fuel costs, which is why I voted against the policy. I will continue speaking out against this measure at every available opportunity and work with local stakeholders to make sure that despite this cut,pensioners will get the support they need.
