Welcome to this week’s constituency newsletter for residents in Reading West and Mid Berkshire. It has been a busy and varied week both in Parliament and in the constituency. In Parliament I was pleased to show my support for our local brewers and I also spoke in a debate on Government support for adoptive and kinship placements. In the constituency this week, I met with farmers and growers in Aldworth and Woolhampton, met with residents in Streatley at the Annual Parish Assembly, and attended the drop-in  for Burghfield Bridge residents on tackling flooding. And of course, at the beginning of the week, we had the fantastic news of the of the historic deal between the UK and the EU.

To keep up to date with what I am doing in Parliament and in the constituency, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Bluesky.

Listening to our farmers and growers

On Friday, I was pleased to be able to meet with farmers and growers in Aldworth and Woolhampton. In particular it was really exciting to hear about the sustainable farming and biodiversity work that is being undertaken by members of the Lower Pang and Kennet Farm Cluster. We discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the farming community, as well as a range of other issues including ensuring balancing environmental stewardship with the need to improve food security, rural crime and providing support for farmers who want to diversify.

Tackling speeding in Mortimer

Residents living on or near The Street in Mortimer have been in touch with me to share concerns about the impact that speeding traffic has for pedestrians and other road users. They also told me about the actions that they have already taken to highlight this issue.

I want to be able to support the work that has already been undertaken by local residents and build a case for action to present to West Berkshire Council. If you or anyone you know has concerns about speeding in The Street, please complete my survey at oliviabailey.co.uk/mortimer-speeding

West Berkshire refuse collection

I am really pleased that Reading Borough Council have confirmed that they will be retaining fortnightly black bin collections. However, I have been contacted by a number of residents in the West Berkshire part of the constituency who are concerned about the Council’s decision to move to collecting black bins every three weeks.

While the reason given for the change by West Berkshire Council – to increase recycling rates – is laudable, I understand residents’ concerns that this change will not deliver that outcome. I also know that there is a worry that this change may lead to an increase in fly tipping.

I am keen to understand residents’ views, so that I can raise specific issues regarding the proposed changes with West Berkshire Council. If you live in West Berkshire and would like to share your views please complete my survey at oliviabailey.co.uk/west-berks-bin-collections.

EU deal sealed

After years of dithering and delay from the Tories, I’m delighted that we have fulfilled our manifesto promise and secured a historic deal with the EU. This deal is good for bills, good for jobs, and good for our borders.

As part of the deal, a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement will make it easier for food and drink to be imported and exported by reducing the red tape that placed burdens on businesses and led to lengthy lorry queues at the border. This agreement will have no time limit, giving vital certainty to businesses.

In addition, there will be closer co-operation on emissions through linking our respective Emissions Trading Systems which will improve the UK’s energy security and avoid businesses being hit by the EU’s carbon tax due to come in next year – which would have sent £800 million directly to the EU’s budget.

Combined, the SPS and Emissions Trading Systems linking measures alone are set to add nearly £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040, in a huge boost for growth.

And the deal will mean, no more airport queues we can use e-Gates once again, closer cooperation on security and defence as well as new opportunities for young people. Just like our trade deals with the US and with India – this Government has succeeded where the Tories failed.

Taking action against water companies

At the General Election we promised to take action against water companies who pollute our rivers. This week, the Government announced a 145% increase in criminal investigations into water companies, including 31 against Thames Water.

Moreover, I am pleased that after the Government threatened to intervene, Thames Water have withdrawn their proposal to pay bonuses to executives. It is welcome that they have reversed their decision, but I know that residents across Reading West and Mid Berkshire will be rightly angry that these payments were even considered appropriate given Thames Water’s poor performance.

I will continue to work in Parliament and with campaigners in Reading West and Mid Berkshire to pressure Thames Water to clean up our rivers and put the necessary investment into our water and wastewater infrastructure.