It was great to secure a meeting for Birmingham leaseholders with representatives of the government this week, to discuss the fire safety issues they are still facing more than five years on from Grenfell. Many of my constituents are still stuck in unsafe buildings and being asked to pay thousands for it. Constituents explained to the officials from the department of levelling up housing and communities about the serious cashflow issues they are facing as well as the extortionate insurance premiums they have been forced to pay. I will be following up with the department to ensure we get some resolution to the issues which have been long-standing problems for so many leaseholders in Birmingham Ladywood. 

It is fantastic to mark the  tenth anniversary year of Small Business Saturday tomorrow. Small businesses do so much to enrich our lives and our community in Ladywood, providing jobs, training and driving economic growth. I know that local businesses have faced massive adversity and hardship over the last few years and beyond, and now face further challenges like unfair business rates, supply chain issues and soaring energy costs. Labour understands the support that small businesses in Ladywood need, and this is why Labour will make online giants pay their fair share and introduce an annual business rates revaluation, with savings passed on to small businesses immediately. 

There are thousands of unsung small and medium enterprises that operate in our area, I was lucky enough to visit Heritage silverware just last month and see the great work they are doing. From the Dudley Road to Soho Road, Coventry Road and of course the Jewellery Quarter we also have brilliant high streets across the city – make sure you head out this weekend to do some Christmas shopping! 

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!