What I’ve been up to throughout March
March has been a busy month, both in Westminster and in the constituency.
In Westminster, a lot of my time has been spent on the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee, where we have been doing pre-legislative scrutiny of commonhold and leasehold legislation. I asked constituents to get in touch with their experiences and thoughts on this, and I have been able to feed this back to the committee and Ministers.
I also attended a meeting with the Maternity APPG. I am glad that OUHT has been included in the national enquiry into maternity care, and that over £100,000 of extra funding has gone into improving maternity provision at the Horton Hospital since the election. I know how important the topic of maternity is to local people, and I will continue to advocate for better outcomes for mums and babies in our area.
Additionally, I spoke with GWR about improving car parking at Charlbury station, and step free access at Kingham station. This is something I will continue to follow up, and I am due to meet with GWR representatives in the coming weeks.
I also hosted a Parliamentary event on behalf of charity Peeps – who support families that have experienced Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy before, during or after birth. After hearing from constituents about this charity and complications during birth, I have supported the charity and it was great to meet with volunteers and encourage other MPs and Parliamentarians to speak and connect with them.
In the constituency, I have been busy visiting groups and businesses. On behalf of a constituent, I visited Dogs for Good, and spoke about the work they do supporting people with wellbeing and independence. I also visited Bloxham School, Banbury College, Chipping Norton equestrian, Balscote nature reserve, Banbury United Football Club, Peoples Theatre Collective Banbury and attended the launch of the Sun Fund in Banbury – supporting young people in Banbury.
I also visited the Banbury Young Homelessness Project alongside Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern to speak about the National Plan to End Homelessness. The work they do supporting young people and their families in Banbury and the local area is invaluable, and I am grateful for all their hard work.
Additionally, I met with representatives from the RNIB, where I walked around Banbury Town Centre and wore simulation glasses that demonstrated eye conditions and the challenges this poses in terms of accessibility. As a result, I have written to the Council about street furniture, and improving accessibility in Banbury Town Centre.
A massive thank you to all the constituents, groups and businesses who have engaged with me over the past month. As always, any issues – please contact sean.woodcock.mp@parliament.uk.
Sean.