Weekly Update - 12 December

Dear John I hope you've had a good week. Here's what I've been up to over this past week.

This Week the Government Announced...

Thousands to get free digital training

The government is rolling out 80 new digital training projects so that thousands more people can get free help to get online, build confidence and shop around for cheaper deals. This week, Minister for Digital Inclusion, Liz Lloyd unveiled 80 local schemes receiving backing from the first-of-its-kind £11.7 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund. The fund will give people free support to get online for communities in every region of the country, so they can book a doctor’s appointment on the NHS app, shop around for better deals on things such as home insurance and food, or stay in touch with loved ones. The support is aimed at people who are currently digitally excluded (including older adults, young people and those facing financial pressures), so that they can build the skills they need for everyday life. Read more here: Thousands to get free digital training so everyone has the chance to shop around for cheaper deals online - GOV.UK

New Youth Guarantee - investing in Apprenticeships

After a decade where the number of young people starting apprenticeships fell by almost 40%, this Government is turning it around. This week, the Government announced a £725 million package of reforms that will drive growth and tackle youth unemployment. The new Youth Guarantee will provide 50,000 apprenticeship opportunities for young people over the next three years. Small businesses will also benefit, with the Government covering full cost of apprenticeships for SMEs across the UK. Read more here: 50,000 new apprenticeships promised in youth employment push - BBC News

Great British Railways - putting trains back in public ownership

This Government is bringing trains back into public ownership. This week they announced the new branding for Great British Railways - after decades of privatisation they are putting powers back to the community. The Department for Transport has unveiled the new designs for the trains, with local train network West Midlands Railway becoming nationalised in February 2026. Read more here: Branding and logo for Great British Railways unveiled - BBC News

Community say in local railways

I'm proud to have voted in the Railways Bill this week to improve our railways by bringing them back into public ownership. I spoke in the House of Commons about how 4.5% of trains in University station from July 2024-2025 were delayed. This is unacceptable for constituents who rely on these trains daily. I asked the Transport Minister, Heidi Alexander how the new nationalisation of train lines would stop these unnecessary delays and bring ownership back to the community. See my full question above.

Better buses: £3 billion for new services

Millions of passengers across the UK are set to benefit from faster, cheaper and more reliable buses after the government announces a £3 billion boost for services and infrastructure. Multi-year funding will give councils the freedom to spend their allocations in whatever way they see fit, whether it is lowering the prices of fares, introducing new routes and zero emission buses or creating safer bus stops.

Bold new Homelessness strategy

The government has launched a bold new National Plan to End Homelessness to support the most vulnerable in our society to find their feet and improve their lives.   Backed by £3.5 billion of investment, this landmark strategy has been shaped by the voices of those who have experienced homelessness as well as those involved in the Inter-ministerial Group on Homelessness.   As the coldest months of the year settle in and Christmas fast approaches, for many, the harsh reality of homelessness becomes harder than ever – whether for someone bedding down on the street, or children struggling in temporary accommodation. Currently a family is being made homeless or threatened with homelessness every five minutes.  This new National Plan will tackle the issue of Homelessness head-on by banning the use of B&Bs for families, and prevent more households from losing their home in the first place. Read more here: Homelessness minister promises to end use of B&Bs as emergency housing | Homelessness | The Guardian

Local News

Big win: Two dedicated neighbourhood officers for every ward in Birmingham

After successfully campaigning with Al Carns MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, we have secured two dedicated neighbourhood police officers for every ward in Birmingham doubling the level of coverage residents were originally due to receive. The Government’s decision to restore neighbourhood policing nationally ensured every ward across the country would have at least one designated officer, working with Al Carns, we raised concerns with local police leaders that this allocation would not be enough for Birmingham. I want to thank Chief Constable, Craig Guildford and Chief Superintendent Tom Joyce, for their support and recognition of our need for more offices in our communities. Watch my video above.

Have your say: Woodgate, Bartley Green

Calling on Woodgate and Bartley Green residents - I want to hear how you think the £20 million Pride in Place investment should be spent. After years of campaigning I've secured £20 million for Woodgate and Bartley Green as part of the Pride in Place programme. Woodgate and Bartley Green have long faced challenges with limited opportunities for young people, pressure on community facilities, and a lack of support for growth. This investment aims to reverse years of underfunding by restoring services, creating opportunities, and rebuilding pride in local neighbourhoods. I'm asking residents to share their thoughts on how the money should be used. It could be for more youth services, a community hub, improved outdoor spaces or more support for skills and employment. All ideas are welcome and will inform the plans for how the funding will be spent with the goal to benefit as many residents as possible. Please complete the survey here.

Goldman Sachs - 10,000 small businesses programme impact report launch

It was a fantastic evening celebrating 15 years of the Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses programme and the launch of its Impact Report. Joining over 150 small business owners including many from my own constituency was a real privilege. SMEs are the engines of growth and the bedrock of the UK economy. They drive innovation, create jobs, and sit at the heart of our communities. I’m incredibly proud to champion the brilliant small businesses we have here in Edgbaston.

Met with Parliamentary Studies students at University of Birmingham

I had the great opportunity to meet with University of Birmingham students to discuss modernisation and the reform of Parliament. Meeting with final year Undergraduates on the Parliamentary Studies module, it was excellent to hear directly from students and talk about wider political issues of today.

Christmas deliveries at Lordswood Boys School

This week I met with pupils at Lordwood Boys School who are packing Christmas parcels for those less fortunate. Thanks to the support of external donors and the whole school community, they are delivering 72 parcels for families in Birmingham. It was brilliant to see the work they've been doing to give back to the community, and how important coming together to help people is in my constituency.

Speaking directly with residents - advice surgeries

This week I have held my final surgeries of 2025, we'll return in January 2026. I want to thank everyone who came to see me and raise their concerns throughout the year. To find information about my next surgeries, please visit my website: Advice Surgeries | Preet Kaur Gill

Here's eight things the Government has done that you may have missed last week:

💪Lifted half a million out of poverty with the Child Poverty Strategy 🌳 Published the Environmental Improvement plan creating better future for our nature ⚖ Ensured fairer trials for rape victims, with new justice law reform 🚑 Made Volunteer-led Search and Rescue (VSAR) organisations exempt from Vehicle Exise Duty 👨👩👦👦Gave every Best Start Family Hub a qualified Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) professional 💬Launched national conversation on SEND 🇺🇦 Invested highest-ever in military support for Ukraine 💊Made landmark US-UK pharmaceutical deal As always, if you have an issue you'd like to discuss, please contact my office at 0121 392 8426 or [email protected], or through my website.

With warm regards,

Preet Kaur Gill MP Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, covering Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne, North Edgbaston and Quinton Promoted by David Evans on behalf of the Labour Party, 20 Rushworth Street, London SE1 0SS

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