This week, new figures from the NHS revealed that 7,941 people had to wait more than four hours for emergency care at A&Es in Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals Trust. The trust includes the A&E at City Hospital, within Birmingham Ladywood . I’m very worried that these delays are putting people off going to A&E who need medical attention. Unacceptable waits will mean people in Ladywood could fall through the cracks. This isn’t down to hardworking NHS staff, it’s down to this Conservative Government, which is putting up taxes on working people, whilst lowering standards for patients. Read more here. 

A new report has found that prisons and councils are dumping homeless people in Birmingham because of how much exempt accommodation we have. This is backed up by research from Birmingham City Council, which estimates that only 42% of the people currently living in exempt accommodation in Birmingham are from within the city’s boundaries and require support. This is totally unacceptable and it’s exactly why I’m calling on the Government to stop the people dumping and the oversaturation of exempt accommodation in Birmingham. Join my campaign and add your name to my petition today: https://www.shabanamahmood.org/sign-my-petition-cap-exempt-accommodation/  

A Panorama investigation has found that a company has made millions from leasing out exempt properties and creaming off housing benefit. Vulnerable people were left in shocking conditions whilst the company got rich. This waste of public money is exactly why we need stronger regulations to stop these cowboy landlords getting away with using taxpayer’s money to exploit vulnerable people and ruin our communities. You can catch up on the  Panorama programme on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0018c0c or read more about the story here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62497015  

I am recruiting someone to join my Birmingham Ladywood constituency office team as a Caseworker. We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting the most vulnerable in a community facing role. Please pass on to anyone you think should apply! https://www.shabanamahmood.org/2022/08/15/join-my-team/

Finally a massive congratulations to all those who got their A Level results this week. You’ve all done brilliantly and achieved fantastic results across the city. Good luck to all those receiving their GCSE results next week!