It was a busy week in Parliament this week, after having the honour of swearing allegiance to the King on Wednesday. We also had a mini-budget from the Government in which the Chancellor made very clear what his priorities are. With a return to the trickle down of the past, these casino economics are  gambling the mortgages and finances of every family in the country. It is reckless and irresponsible. Only Labour will get Britain growing again.  

The imminent rise in energy bills is a political choice by this Conservative Government. Labour says the energy producers who have profited so much from the rise in prices should make a contribution, but the Tories would rather lay the costs on the British people for years to come. 

I will keep doing everything I can to ensure that Ladywood constituents do not bear the brunt of this crisis. If you get a bill you cannot afford to pay make sure you contact your energy supplier to discuss your options – they have to help find a solution that works for both of you. Click here for further information: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/struggling-to-pay-your-energy-bills/  

This week, I wrote to the CEO of Birmingham City Football Club after delays to stadium repairs at St Andrews have extended into the new football season. In March this year, I met senior officials from the club and received verbal assurances the repairs would be completed in time. Over a month into the new season St. Andrews remains at a significantly reduced capacity. I also took the opportunity to re-state the concerns of Blues fans regarding the financial structure and ownership of the club. Read the letter here: https://www.shabanamahmood.org/2022/09/23/shabana-writes-to-bcfc-on-delayed-stadium-repairs/  

I have also written to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy regarding soaring energy bills in flats and shared buildings. Energy that is supplied to many shared buildings for communal electricity and for heating and hot water through a heat network is classified by Ofgem as commercial supply, rather than domestic. The price cap only applies to domestic energy, meaning many constituents are facing sky-high bills as suppliers are passing on the huge wholesale price increases unchecked. Many of my constituents are already hit financially by the cladding scandal, and are now facing this additional burden with the rising cost of living. You can read my letter in full here: https://www.shabanamahmood.org/2022/09/21/shabana-writes-to-minister-on-shared-building-energy-bills/ 

The Annual Labour Party Conference kicks off this weekend in Liverpool. Looking forward to getting members and activists together for a great couple of days!