April: Springtime progress across Erewash and the country
April has been a particularly busy month, spanning everything from community visits and casework to national policy developments and my first full weeks as a Parliamentary Private Secretary.
Over the past month, I’ve had the privilege of continuing to serve our community both locally in Erewash and nationally in Parliament. April has been a particularly busy and varied month, spanning everything from community visits and casework to national policy developments and my first full weeks as a Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Home Office. What follows is a summary of that work, bringing together the conversations, challenges and progress that have defined the past few weeks.
Supporting young people and community groups
I began the month by spending time with the 21st Ilkeston Explorers, part of the wider scouting movement that plays such an important role in shaping young people’s confidence, leadership and sense of community. Speaking with them about politics, local, national and international, was a reminder of just how engaged and thoughtful young people are about the world around them. It’s vital that we continue to create spaces where those conversations can happen and where young people feel empowered to have their voices heard.
That same theme carried through other moments this month, including my involvement with Erewash Sound. Hosting the breakfast show ahead of the Easter weekend was great fun, but more importantly it highlighted the brilliant opportunities available locally for young people to develop skills in media, broadcasting and teamwork. Initiatives like their “We Are Young” programme are exactly the kind of platforms we should be championing.
Cost of living and making work pay
April also marked the start of the new financial year, bringing with it a number of changes designed to ease pressure on working families. From increases in the minimum and living wage, to frozen prescription charges and action on water companies, these measures are about fairness and affordability in challenging times.
Alongside this work, the implementation of the Employment Rights Act represents a significant step forward in strengthening protections at work. Higher pay for millions, day-one rights for parental leave, expanded sick pay and stronger enforcement through the new Fair Work Agency all point to a labour market that works better for employees as well as employers. These changes matter, not just in headline terms, but in the day-to-day reality of people’s lives.
Standing up for local residents
A core part of my role continues to be representing constituents when things go wrong. This month, I raised concerns directly with a private parking operator following repeated complaints about practices at a local retail park. Whether it’s unclear rules or inadequate appeals processes, these issues can cause real frustration and financial stress. Holding companies to account and pushing for fair treatment remains a key priority.
Similarly, my regular advice surgeries continue to be an essential way of staying connected to the issues people are facing. From housing and healthcare to more complex casework, these one-to-one conversations are invaluable. They ground everything I do in the lived experiences of local people.
Local democracy and campaigning
Early April also saw a parish council by-election in Draycott. It was a pleasure to be out speaking with residents and supporting an exceedingly strong local candidate in Aaron Tamber-Wolf. While the result didn’t go our way, the campaign was an important opportunity to listen, on issues like antisocial behaviour, opportunities for young people and environmental concerns.
Following the election, I returned to the village to meet with parish councillors and community groups, discussing future plans and priorities. These kinds of conversations are crucial in ensuring that local decision-making reflects the needs and ambitions of residents.
Community, charity and tackling homelessness
One of the most powerful moments of the month was attending the Canaan Trust’s annual Big Sleep Out in Long Eaton. Spending time with volunteers, many of whom had personal experience of homelessness, was deeply moving. Their stories were a stark reminder that homelessness is not an abstract issue; it affects real people in our community.
The work of organisations like the Canaan Trust is invaluable and supporting them, whether through raising awareness or encouraging donations, is something I will continue to prioritise.
Investment in services and infrastructure
There has been significant progress this month in securing investment for local services. Funding for library improvements across Derbyshire is a welcome step in reversing years of underinvestment, while additional support for arts and cultural institutions across the region will help sustain and grow these vital sectors.
In healthcare, upgrades to diagnostic centres in Derby and Nottingham will improve access to vital tests and treatments. These developments build on wider investment in local NHS services, including improvements to health centres and the reopening of urgent care facilities.
Environmental enforcement has also taken a step forward, with record fines issued to water companies for pollution breaches. Ensuring that those responsible for environmental damage are held accountable and that funds are directed towards repair and restoration, is essential.
Backing our town centres and local economy
This month, I met with a government minister to discuss how we can better support town centres through innovative partnerships between public, private and community sectors. There is often a narrative of decline around high streets, but I believe there is real potential, if we adapt to changing economic realities and invest in the right way.
Locally, it was great to see progress in Long Eaton, including the restoration of historic buildings and new businesses preparing to move in. These developments are a testament to the resilience and creativity of our local economy.
Parliamentary responsibilities and the Home Office
April has also been significant for me personally, as I began my role as a Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Home Office. It’s been a steep learning curve, involving detailed policy work, supporting ministers during debates and helping to coordinate parliamentary business.
While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it plays an important role in ensuring that government operates effectively. Balancing these responsibilities with my ongoing work as a constituency MP has made for a demanding but rewarding few weeks.
Housing and planning reform
Housing remains one of the most pressing issues facing our community. With thousands on waiting lists locally, it’s clear that the current system is not delivering. Changes to Right to Buy announced this month are aimed at addressing that imbalance, ensuring that more social homes remain available while still supporting long-term tenants who wish to buy.
These reforms sit alongside broader efforts to increase housebuilding and strengthen renters’ rights. Tackling the housing crisis requires sustained, systemic change and this is an important part of that process.
Transport and connectivity
Improving local transport links is another ongoing priority. This month, I continued discussions with the Transport Secretary about the possibility of introducing passenger services between Ilkeston and Derby. While there are challenges, the interest shown by government is encouraging.
Better connectivity would bring real benefits, supporting economic growth, reducing congestion and making it easier for people to access work and services. I will continue to push for progress on this.
Celebrating identity and community
St George’s Day provided an opportunity to reflect on identity, history and values. For me, it’s about recognising the stories and traditions that shape our communities, while also looking forward, embracing values like fairness, courage and solidarity.
That sense of community pride was also evident in everyday moments this month, whether out on the doorstep, meeting residents on the high street, or simply enjoying the spring weather across Erewash.
Opportunities for young people
Finally, I was particularly pleased to see Derbyshire included in the first phase of the Youth Jobs Guarantee. Youth unemployment remains a significant challenge and early intervention is key to preventing long-term disadvantage.
Providing paid work placements and opportunities for skills development will help young people build confidence and experience, opening doors that might otherwise remain closed.
Wins this month
My team have been working as hard as ever to support local people – here’s the things we’ve won on this month:
Secured removal of mud and debris on Millfield Road in Ilkeston;
Registered six school defibrillators on the British Heart Foundation AED network;
Got Derbyshire County Council to schedule works at Firfield Avenue roundabout;
Helped a Draycott resident get a new fire door installed;
Supported a resident in securing their driving licence after delays;
Secured pothole repairs in Shipley View;
Arranged additional parking enforcement at a Sawley school;
Reported and cleared several fallen trees, including one in the canal;
Recovered over £20,000 for residents from public bodies and other errors;
Secured action on more than 50 roads and highway issues;
Supported over 30 SEND families with EHCPs, school places and transport;
Helped 56 residents facing homelessness or unsafe housing;
Pushed for stronger enforcement around Sawley Junior School parking zones;
Reported and resolved storm damage, including fallen trees and property impact;
Connected Sawley Parish Council with anti-graffiti kits; and
Resolved a long-running boiler issue and secured £200 compensation for a tenant.
Looking ahead
As we move into May, there is still much to do. From continuing to push for investment in local services, to advancing national policies that support working people, the work does not stop. I will also be building on my new responsibilities in the Home Office, ensuring that I can be as effective as possible both in Westminster and here in Erewash.
Above all, my focus remains on delivering for our community, listening, acting and working every day to make a positive difference.