Before the new week began, the 𝐂𝐨-𝐨𝐩 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲’𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 was held in Leeds. It was great to meet with leaders in local government and address the conference about the Community Britain Campaign as a Minister for Local Government and Chair of the Party.

We’re building Community Britain, together. Community is a powerful tool for solving serious political, social and economic challenges. Co-operative local government representatives put this into place each and every day, up and down the country, by championing community power and delivering real change: that’s why we’re fighting to give them more power.

I began the week not in Westminster, but in the West Midlands. I had the opportunity to 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 to see first-hand how mayoral combined authorities are using devolved powers to unlock opportunity and widen access to skills and training. I visited both 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐦 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, where it’s clear that strategic collaboration between local government, education institutions and business is driving real change. I then had the privilege to attend the 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 and hear more about their dedication to transparency in public financial management.

On Tuesday, I travelled down to London and spoke in the Chamber during the 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐞, representing my Department. For those unfamiliar, Estimates are Parliament’s opportunity to scrutinise and approve departmental spending plans. I was proud to reaffirm our commitment to investing in the things that matter most to local people – building more affordable and social homes, strengthening neighbourhood services, and improving building safety.

But I also acknowledged the significant pressures local councils are facing: rising demand for temporary accommodation, increasing costs in adult social care, and growing complexity in children’s services. These are real challenges, and we cannot ignore them. That’s why we’re focused on rebuilding the foundations of local government – so councils are not just surviving but equipped to meet demand and deliver better outcomes.

For the rest of the week, I have had regular catch-ups including one with 𝐋𝐨𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐆𝐀, to discuss how we can work collaboratively to best support local government and achieve a strong and resilient sector. Aside from my regular ministerial meetings, I also had chance to 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐎𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐚𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 while he was in London presenting all the leading work Oldham are doing to tackle climate change.

After having a couple of weeks in a row of Parliament unusually sitting on Friday, it was great to be able to spend this Friday back in the constituency.

It was straight to work this week with internal meetings in Parliament and on Whitehall. It was great to speak at a Devolution North All Parliamentary Party Group briefing on the upcoming English Devolution Bill. We talked about how it will reset the relationship between the government, local councils and mayors by extending devolution to drive growth far and wide in every community.

I strongly welcome this week’s publication of Baroness Casey’s review into group-based child sexual exploitation. This is a vital and long overdue step towards justice for victims and survivors across the country.

After engaging with MPs, group leaders and the local government sector, we have announced a consultation on council tax reforms bills more manageable for working people across the country. Labour inherited a local government sector on its knees – councils pushed to the financial brink, facing rising demand, and working people not receiving the quality local services they rightly deserve.

There’s broad agreement across council leaders, experts, and parliamentarians that the current funding model is broken and unfair. This government is stepping up to deliver the fairer system promised in the 2017 Fair Funding Review but never delivered.

These reforms are urgently needed to put councils on a stable footing and ensure better services for residents – especially working people – right across the country. It’s a key part of our Plan for Change to deliver the outcomes people deserve.

We are also reforming children’s social care and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including ensuring councils are properly funded to support the most vulnerable children.

This work comes alongside measures to simplify the funding system to get better value for money for the taxpayer and make tax collection fairer by spreading payments over 12 monthly bills as standard. Under these new plans, payment plans will now need to be offered, with councils working closely with those struggling with their bills – overhauling the current cruel system where people who miss a payment are expected to immediately pay the year’s sum.

More widely, we are doing more to tackle the cost of living crisis by expanding our Warm Home Scheme. This will means millions more families will get £150 off their bills this coming winter – putting more money in the pockets of working people as part of our Plan for Change.

Instead of being back in Oldham on Friday to end the week, MPs stayed down in Parliament to vote on the Assisted Dying Bill at its third and final reading in the Commons. The compassion that motivates many who support this bill is evident, and I do not question the sincerity or integrity of those who voted differently today. However, having weighed the final version of the bill against my own reservations, I have again voted against it.

Today, Parliament held the final vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at its third reading in the Commons. This bill, which proposes to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill individuals with six months or less to live, has sparked one of the most serious and heartfelt debates of this Parliament – and rightly so.

Since its introduction and during each stage of scrutiny, I have listened closely to the arguments put forward both inside and outside the chamber. I have read moving accounts from constituents who have written to me from deeply personal perspectives – some in support, others in opposition. I remain grateful to all who have taken the time to share their views.

As the bill has progressed, it has undergone important revisions – but, in my view, not the kind that resolve the concerns I have raised throughout. The removal of judicial oversight, for example, remains a significant departure from the original safeguards and continues to raise serious questions about the robustness of protections for the most vulnerable.

Despite the assurances provided by the bill’s supporters, I remain unconvinced that the current framework offers sufficient safeguards to prevent coercion, ensure full informed consent, and protect those who may be at risk due to age, disability, isolation, or inadequate access to appropriate care. These are not abstract risks – they are very real concerns, particularly within a healthcare system under immense strain.

I recognise the compassion that motivates many who support this bill, and I do not question the sincerity or integrity of those who voted differently today. However, having weighed the final version of the bill against my own reservations, 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐭.

I continue to believe that the right response to suffering at the end of life lies in improving access to high-quality palliative and hospice care, ensuring that no one faces their final days without adequate support, dignity, or compassion. I recently visited Dr. Kershaw’s Hospice in Oldham and saw the incredible work done to make sure people live well at the end of their life. I believe we are at a point in this country where that should be our national priority – expanding and improving access to palliative care, not introducing a law that, however well intentioned, could place already vulnerable individuals at even greater risk.

My foundational belief remains that it is not the state’s role to sanction when someone should die but instead is to actively protect people throughout all stages of their life.

Although I voted against the bill, it has now narrowly passed its third reading and will move forward into the Lords for further scrutiny. I respect the outcome of the democratic process and also commend how thorough and respectful the discussion on this issue has been.

What must not be lost now – and what I will continue to advocate for – is a renewed national focus on palliative and end-of-life care. Legalising assisted dying cannot become a substitute for the comprehensive, compassionate care that every person deserves in their final days. If anything, this moment should serve as a wake-up call to address the gaps in our current system that we inherited from the Tories.

Whatever one’s view on assisted dying, we must ensure that no one ever feels they have to choose it because they were denied proper care, dignity, or comfort at the end of life.

Thank you again to everyone who has engaged with me on this profoundly important issue.

Pavement parking continues to be one of the most common complaints raised with my office and it’s clear we are facing a serious problem that is affecting every corner of our borough.

I hear from residents who are blocked from using the pavement safely, whether they’re pushing a pram, using a wheelchair, or just walking to the shop. It’s not just frustrating, it’s dangerous.

On Broadway outside Henry Newman School families doing the school run are having to walk in the road because cars are blocking the pavement.

Frederick Street and around Hulme Grammar have become known hotspots with reports of vehicles parked fully on pavements, forcing pedestrians into oncoming traffic.

But perhaps most persistently Union Street in the town centre has become a real flashpoint. The mix of fast food outlets, high footfall, and a sharp increase in delivery drivers means we’re seeing regular obstructive pavement parking. Vehicles are double parked, blocking bus stops, and mounting kerbs, especially during evening hours. Residents and businesses alike are raising concerns and it’s clear that more needs to be done.

These are just a handful of examples. Let me be clear, this is a borough wide issue affecting both our town centres and residential areas. Too often, it feels like those doing the right thing are being punished while those who flout the rules face no consequences.

I welcome the Council’s decision to bring enforcement back in house and the transfer of enforcement staff under TUPE. This move has the potential to make a real difference but it must come with a clear shift in focus toward proactive visible street level enforcement, especially in areas like Union Street where confidence in enforcement has worn thin.

It’s time for a joined up approach;

Officers where they’re needed, when they’re needed

Community feedback informing where action is taken

Engagement with businesses and delivery operators to reduce the problem at its source

It is good news to see that the Council have committed to establishing a red route on Union Street. This means that only emergency vehicles will be permitted to park on the road, with blue badge holders and Hackney Carriage Taxis allowed to stop briefly to allow passengers in or out, but will not be permitted to wait. This will be enforced by ANPR cameras, this is a positive and welcome step forward.

And while local councils do their part, it is also important that they have the tools and powers to properly tackle this issue. I will continue working with colleagues in Westminster to ensure areas like Oldham have the support needed to keep our streets safe and accessible for all.

Everyone has a right to walk safely in their own neighbourhood.

If pavement parking is a problem where you live, I want to hear from you. Please get in touch with my office so we can keep building the case for stronger action.