It’s been a slightly different month in August, as Parliament has been on recess. This means MPs have not been sitting in the Commons conducting usual business. I have however, been spending time in the constituency, visiting and speaking to local people and businesses.
Opening Magpie Court: New homes for local people
August kicked off with the opening of Magpie Court, which is part of the Cottsway Housing Association. I was honoured to speak at this opening, and I am proud that a new social housing scheme is the first thing I have opened since being an MP. The importance of having a place to call ‘home’ cannot be over-estimated, and we need genuinely affordable homes supported by infrastructure and investment. I am pleased that Magpie Court will provide new housing opportunities for local people.
Meeting residents: coffee mornings and casework successes
I’ve held coffee mornings in Charlbury and Banbury, giving people the chance to drop in and share their views. I have also invited many constituents into the Banbury office, to raise their concerns with me face-to-face, and allow me to assist in their issues. These conversations are always enlightening, and they directly shape my work in Parliament.
Helping constituents with their issues is a big part of my role, and one which is very rewarding. I have been proud to achieve some notable casework successes this month. This includes helping a constituent who told us of their incorrect council tax banding, which was costing them hundreds of pounds extra. After we intervened, alongside a local Labour councillor, it was corrected – resulting in money being repaid and future payments becoming much lower. I also referred a mother-of-two with cancer to Banbury Charities, who kindly awarded her £500 to help towards her car insurance – ensuring she can get to appointments and provide for her children.
Supporting our community
I was also delighted to welcome Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth, Stephanie Peacock, to Banbury United Football Club. We discussed the part the club plays in the wider community, meeting with volunteers Mark, Ryan and Clive. Local volunteers rise to the challenge of keeping the club alive, and I am glad that the Minister was able to see this first-hand.
Amongst other things, I have also hosted a Q&A at the Ridings Nursing Home, visited the Mill Arts Centre, spoke to volunteers at the local Cancer Research shop and took part in a session with the Sunrise Multicultural Project’s Men’s Group. I have also been to speak with DiscoBowl about the challenges facing hospitality businesses.
Honouring VJ Day
Finally, I attended the VJ Day commemorations in Banbury. I met with Chair of Oxfordshire County Council Mark Lygo, and spoke with dignitaries, councillors and members of the public who were all there to show their respect. I was honoured to be there, and I thank all those who risked their lives, to give us the lives we have today.
Looking ahead to September
I return to Parliament in September, where I will continue with my work representing constituents in the Commons. I will be using the conversations I’ve had with constituents recently to help inform this work.
If anyone would like to attend any future surgeries or coffee mornings, or you would like my help with an issue, please email sean.woodcock.mp@parliament.uk.