SINCE my election, it has been super to see so many of you at my informal ‘Coffee with Claire’ events, focusing on priorities for our community.
Having completed a place-based round of these reaching every ward, including Frenchay and Downend, I’m holding thematic events focusing on these priorities, and where we can feed into key government consultations (like I did on SEND a few months ago).
The next Coffee with Claire, in partnership with youth work charity FACE on February 28 at 11am, will focus on potential restrictions on social media for under 16s.
The government is consulting on options, and I want to make local views heard, sharing our feedback with ministers.
The event will be open to all across our Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency – RSVP for more details.
Young people are very welcome, with those aged 13-16 accompanied by a parent or guardian.
To RSVP, please visit tinyurl.com/bddx2396.
Last month, my team and I worked on 926 new cases supporting residents. I was out knocking on doors and listening to people’s priorities in Little Stoke and Patchway and will keep doing this across our constituency, which stretches from Cribbs to Lyde Green.
In Parliament, I was proud to vote to remove the two-child benefit limit, seeing around 1,640 local children lifted out of poverty. Children do not choose the circumstances they are born into, and it is right that we are in their corner as a society.
I was glad to speak in a debate on animal welfare and also fully support our government’s announcement tackling rising vet fees. We will see clearer pricing, greater transparency and consistent access to care, rather than a postcode lottery.
The government also announced strong plans tackling ‘fleecehold’ practices, where homeowners are charged fees by private management companies. Ground rents will be capped at £250 and new leasehold flats banned. Since being elected, I’ve supported local leaseholders directly, met with management agencies and spoken to the Housing Minister. I’m pleased that this has contributed to long‑overdue action.
I’ve also met with government ministers to share local insight on important issues, including how child maintenance processes are sometimes being used to continue domestic abuse, and challenges for local residents and postal workers from delays receiving 2nd Class letters.
Locally, I met with Green Valleys Health about the prolonged closure of Emersons Green Medical Centre. They are now awaiting a response on funding from the NHS locally.
I was also glad to open the National Gas regional office in Stoke Gifford, bringing great new jobs to our area.
As always, please get in touch anytime at claire.hazelgrove.mp@parliament.uk.