Welcome to this week’s constituency newsletter for residents in Reading West and Mid Berkshire. I was pleased this week, that having secured a review of the dangerous A34 slip roads at Beedon and East Ilsley as a result of my campaign in Parliament, I received confirmation from National Highways that they are currently reviewing safety data and expect the study to be completed in early 2026.
And, I am delighted that two important pieces of housing legislation came into force this week – the Renters’ Rights Act which abolishes Section 21 no-fault evictions, and the first phase of Awaab’s Law which will ensure that social landlords are required to address safety concerns in their properties without delay.
To keep up to date with what I am doing in Parliament and in the constituency, you can follow me on Facebook or Instagram
Safety review of A34 slip roads underway
Having secured a safety review of the dangerous A34 slip roads at East Ilsley and Beedon following my successful campaign in Parliament, I was pleased to receive an update from National Highways this week on its progress.
They have confirmed that they are currently reviewing safety data which will be used to consider a range of potential options for safety solutions and that the review is expected to be completed by early 2026.
I have also written to new Roads Minister Simon Lightwood about the campaign, and he has assured me that that once National Highways has concluded its review, it shares its findings and proposed next steps.
I know this will be welcome news for many of my constituents who have told me of their fears when using these dangerous slip roads. I will continue to engage with both National Highways and the Department for Transport to ensure the review continues to progress and constituents’ concerns are listened to.
Renters Reform Act becomes law
Earlier this week the Renters’ Rights Bill received Royal Assent, securing a fairer future for 11 million private renters in England. During its passage through Parliament both Reform and the Conservatives voted against measures to protect renters.
The Act will rebalance landlord-tenant relations across England, abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, ending a practice that has threatened thousands of renters with homelessness.
In addition, the Act will:
- Give renters the right to end tenancies with two months’ notice, while protecting legitimate landlord interests through strengthened repossession grounds that support continued investment in the sector.
- Apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector to give renters safer, better value homes and remove the blight of poor-quality homes in local communities.
- Make it illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against prospective tenants in receipt of benefits or with children – helping to ensure everyone is treated fairly when looking for a place to live.
- End the practice of rental bidding by prohibiting landlords and agents from asking for or accepting offers above the advertised rent. Landlords and agents will be required to publish an asking rent for their property and it will be illegal to accept offers made above this rate.
- Strengthen local authority enforcement by expanding civil penalties, introducing a package of investigatory powers and bringing in a new requirement for local authorities to report on enforcement activity.
I am delighted that we are ending a system where people have felt insecure or risk losing their homes if they ask for essential repairs to be carried out. This Act will level the playing field between landlord and tenant and transform the experience of private renting.
Awaab’s Law
Everyone deserves a safe and decent home to live in, but I get far too many emails from constituents who are trapped in social housing with damp, mould and other health hazards. We know that this can be a matter of life and death, such as with the tragic loss of two-year-old Awaab Ishak.
From this week, the first phase of Awaab’s Law comes into effect, ensuring that social landlords address urgent safety concerns without delay. The Government has also committed to extending the law to the private rental sector, to protect all renters from dangerous housing.
Pumpkin trail at Wasing Park
It was wonderful to visit Wasing Park this morning to pick some pumpkins and enjoy their woodland trail. I hope everyone who was celebrating Halloween had a spooky time!
Women’s health strategy
This week the Government announced that we are making menopause advice a part of free health checks for the first time, to help women get the care they need.
Menopause has been overlooked for too long, with millions of women suffering in silence without the appropriate advice and support. We’re changing that, to put an end to the era of women being told to just “grit your teeth and get on with it”.
…and we’re bringing care closer to home, when you need it most.
Women can now access emergency contraception for free at their local pharmacy – the biggest change to sexual health services since the 1960s!
And anyone who has recently been prescribed antidepressants will also be able to seek advice and support at their local pharmacy.
Date for your diary
Meet Your MP, Calcot, 2.00pm to 3.00pm on Sunday 23 November If you live in Calcot or nearby and would like to come along for a chat with tea and biscuits between 2.00pm and 3.00pm, you can register here.
My team will confirm the venue to those registered in advance of the event.
Best wishes for the week ahead
Olivia