Why does the Rogue Landlords Database have no landlords on it?

Emma questions the Housing Minister

Today in Parliament Emma Reynolds asked the Housing Minister why, when the Government’s own figures say there are over 10,000 rogue landlords in England, no rogue landlords appear on their own rogue landlord database.

Following the exchange, Emma said:

“There are of course many good landlords, but there are cases of tenants having to deal with damp and unsafe conditions. The database was launched back in April, and was expected to be a key tool to help councils tackle the country’s worst landlords.

“The Minister’s explanation that “it will take time to populate” this database, yet after more than six months not one landlord currently appears on it, will offer no comfort to anyone who is looking for a home to rent.”

To watch the exchange, click here

Emma responds to Telford A&E overnight closure reports

New Cross Hospital

Responding to reports that Telford A&E will be closing overnight, and New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton would be expected to take on the additional demand, Emma said:

“It has emerged that New Cross will be taking the vast majority of extra patients caused by the overnight closure of Telford A&E. The 23 mile journey and the time it takes to transfer patients means three additional ambulances will be needed just to cope with the demands.

“I have been clear that I oppose these proposals. They are very badly thought through, and it is clear Health Ministers have no proper plan. There is also no explanation of how WM Ambulance Service will be compensated for these additional ambulances, and where the money for the ambulance crews will come from.

“I will keep pressing the government on this issue. I have already written to the Health Secretary about additional resources and am waiting on a reply.

“Extra resources are needed for New Cross to bring in new staff to deal with this additional demand so patients in Wolverhampton do not suffer from long delays. There is no detail on this and when I raised the issue of additional resources last week in Parliament, the Health Minister did not answer the question.”

Emma’s reaction to the October 2018 Budget

Reacting to the chancellor’s budget today (29 October 2018), Emma Reynolds said:

“The Prime Minister recently said “austerity is over”, but yesterday’s budget confirmed that this is not true.

“People will still be worse off in 2022 compared to 2007 and our public services are at breaking point. The funding for Wolverhampton City Council will continue to be cut, with the money for social care not sufficient for many of our older people to live with dignity.

“Although the extra £160million for counter-terrorism is welcome, there was nothing in the budget for local and neighbourhood policing. We have lost over 2,000 police officers in the West Midlands and violent crime is on the rise. Our Chief Constable recently said that the police “are struggling to deliver a service to the public” and “criminals are well aware of how stretched we are”.

“I am particularly worried about the impact of school cuts on the education and opportunities for young people in Wolverhampton. On Friday I visited Bushbury Hill Primary School, where I was told by headteacher Kay Mason that they will have lost over £600,000 in just three years since 2015, and have lost teachers and teaching staff. The Chancellor announced more additional money for potholes than schools. He seems to think schools only need money for ‘little extras’ but teachers, teaching assisants and avoiding big class sizes are essential to our children’s education.

“I welcome the Budget’s announcements on freezing beer and fuel duties.

“Overall I remain deeply concerned about the impact of this government’s continued austerity on the people of Wolverhampton who are bearing the brunt of the cuts to public services and are not seeing an improvement in their living standards. The government boasts about falling unemployment nationally, but unemployment continues to rise locally and this Budget had no proposals to deal with this.”

Emma marks Black history Month with message to Windrush Generation

Black History month 2018

October is Black History Month, and to mark the month Emma Reynolds has the following message to her constituents:

“To mark Black History Month, I wanted to send a message of support to the Windrush Generation. I have responded this month to two Government consultations into the way the Windrush Generation were treated, and I wanted to ensure the experiences of some of my constituents caught up in the scandal were included.

“The government must fully compensate those affected for all financial losses incurred as a result of the government’s hostile environment, and go further to include compensation for the considerable distress caused to people – including my constituent Paulette Wilson, who was threatened with deportation even though she has been in the UK since 1968.

“In June and July there was an exhibition at Wolverhampton Art Gallery marking 70 years since the arrival of the ship Empire Windrush in June 1948. It showcased the huge contribution the Caribbean community has made in rebuilding Britain in the post-war period and the contribution they continue to make. This is why the way in which Paulette and others have been treated is a national disgrace.

“This contribution is further showcased in the Black Cultural Archives, based in Brixton. The only national heritage centre dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating the histories of African and Caribbean people in Britain. The Archives has this year lost its Heritage Lottery Funding and, as a result, two-thirds of its income.

“Government representatives have met with the Archives, but have not provided the funding the Archives desperately needs. I have backed calls by my colleague Helen Hayes – who’s constituency contains the Archives – for the Government to step in and provide this funding. It would be a desperate shame for the Black Cultural Archives to close, especially so on the 70th anniversary of the Windrush generation.

“22 June marks national Windrush Day, and celebrating days like Windrush Day and events like Black History Month show how we recognise the contribution the black community has made in so many areas of British society, including politics, business, education, sports and entertainment.”

Emma presses Policing Minister over West Midlands funding

 Today in Parliament Emma Reynolds asked the Policing Minister about the cuts faced by West Midlands Police. A video of the exchange can be found at the link below.

Following the exchange, Emma said:

“Since 2010 West Midlands has lost over 2,000 police officers, and Chief Constable Dave Thompson is saying how West Midlands Police are “struggling to deliver a service to the public”, and “criminals are well aware of how stretched we are.”

“Policing affects every town and every community across the country, and forces are now having to take on extra unfunded spending commitments like pay awards and pensions – eating more and more into their budgets. I wanted the Policing Minister to consider how the effect of his department’s cuts are having to officers on the ground, and how Chief Constable’s concerns will worry people across Wolverhampton.

“The Minister’s response – highlighting his own insufficient budget package – was not good enough and completely ignored the call for more funding from the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson.”

Emma presses Policing Minister over West Midlands funding 29.10.2018