Welcome to this week’s constituency newsletter for residents in Reading West and Mid Berkshire.
Following on from my survey on rural mobile coverage across Reading West and Mid Berkshire, earlier today, along with a resident from Beenham, I met with representatives from VodafoneThree. While I am pleased to hear that they are upgrading their network, it is clear that residents would like to see swifter progress, and I will continue to push the mobile providers and work with local councils to put in place improvements. On Monday I visited Little Heath School for their Student Voice Conference – it was great to hear from students about the issues that are most important to them.
And there was fantastic news with waiting lists falling again – by 43,000 in January, which means that they have now fallen by over 374,000 since the General Election.
To keep up to date with what I am doing in Parliament and in the constituency, you can follow me on Facebook or Instagram.
Rural mobile coverage
Earlier today along with a resident from Beenham, I met with representatives from VodafoneThree to discuss the need for improvements in mobile coverage across rural parts of Reading West and Mid Berkshire. We discussed the concerns that residents raised with me earlier this year including the importance of decent coverage so people can be contacted in an emergency and for rural businesses.
I was pleased to hear that VodafoneThree are putting in place upgrades to their network in Reading West and Mid Berkshire and are developing satellite technologies to deal with mobile not spots. However, it is clear that residents are keen to see more rapid progress, so I will continuing to press the mobile providers and work with local councils to put in place improvements to mobile coverage.
In the next couple of weeks, I am meeting with staff from Berkshire Digital Infrastructure Group and with civil servants from the Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology to discuss ways to move forward on this issue.
Little Heath School Student Voice Conference
It was really great to take part in the Student Voice Conference at Little Heath School on Monday. I talked about my work in the constituency and in Parliament and answered a range of tough questions from students including how to keep young people safe online, tackling antisocial behaviour and support for schools. Thank you for having me.
PIC
Oil price profiteering will not be tolerated
I know households across Reading West and Mid Berkshire will be watching the economic impact of conflict in the Middle East closely, especially those families who rely on heating oil.
That’s why the statement from Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary this morning is really welcome. We cannot tolerate hardworking families being ripped off when they are already struggling with the cost of living.
I am also pleased that the Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, along with Ed Miliband were clear that fuel retailers must sign up for Fuel Finder so drivers can find the cheapest price at the pump.
Waiting lists have fallen again
Fantastic news this week that waiting lists have fallen again – by 43,000 in January, which means they have fallen by 374,000 since Labour came to power.
And figures show that we also have the fastest ambulance response in five years and the shortest A&E waits in four years
While there is still more to do as we work to rebuild our NHS, I am pleased with this significant step forward.
Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill
I was proud to support the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill in Parliament on Monday. Not only is this the largest piece of child safeguarding legislation in a generation, it will also:
- Expand free school meals to over half a million more children
- Lift 100,000 children out of poverty
- Put nearly £500 in parents’ pockets
- Lead to higher attainment & better outcomes
You can find out more information about the Bill at https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/12/the-childrens-wellbeing-bill-what-parents-need-to-know/
Dates for your diary
Meet Your MP, Kentwood, 2.00pm to 3.00pm on Sunday 22 March If you live in Kentwood and would like to come along for a chat with tea and biscuits between 1.30pm and 2.30pm, you can register here https://oliviabailey.co.uk/kentwood-meet-your-mp/
SEND Roundtable, 7.00pm to 9.30pm on Friday 30 March. Your opportunity to share your perspectives with me as your constituency MP on the Government’s consultation on SEND. You can register here https://oliviabailey.co.uk/send-roundtable/
Best wishes for the week ahead.
Olivia