Although it’s been a shorter week due to the Bank Holiday on Monday, it’s certainly been a busy one, with Parliament returning on Tuesday. I’ve had a series of internal meetings, including discussions around local government reorganisation. In all of this, my focus remains clear: to ensure we bring in clearer and more effective structures and balancing the need to reflect identity, belonging and need for new councils to be sustainable for the future, so that we deliver the best possible outcomes for residents.
During the Easter recess, I made several visits to Birmingham – meeting with local leaders and seeing first-hand the communities most affected by the ongoing waste dispute. I’ve continued those conversations this week, and on Tuesday, I responded to an Urgent Question in the House on this issue. While the situation remains live, I’m encouraged by the swift action already taken – particularly the removal of over 26,000 tonnes of waste. It was important to reflect on that progress in the Chamber and to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to working alongside the Council to build a waste service that is fair, sustainable, and reliable – what every resident rightly expects and deserves.
On Wednesday, the regular department board meeting took place where the Deputy Prime Minister oversees the teams progress on the priority areas, for me this includes devolution and local government finance mainly, as well as supporting local investment and growth.
I had the honour of attending a Requiem Mass in tribute to Pope Francis – a powerful moment of reflection on his lifelong commitment to peace, unity, and the care we owe to one another. May he rest in peace, and may his example continue to inspire us all.
In Parliament, progress was made on legislation to ensure sentencing guidelines are based on the actions of an offender – not their race, religion, or cultural background. There was also measures to strengthen the UK’s banking resilience by empowering the Bank of England to stabilise failing smaller banks through a targeted levy on the sector.
It was also the week for my regular catch up with Local Government Association Chair Louise Gittins on a range of vital issues like the financial sustainability of councils, SEND and adult social care funding, and a wide range of other issues affecting the sector.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 