I met with TfL again to discuss their new proposals to cut further bus links in Hackney. These levels of cuts are unacceptable, and the proposal to remove the 48 bus will leave people without a viable alternative.
I encourage anyone who will be affected by these changes to sign Hackney Labour’s petition to urge TfL to change their decisions. You can find a link to the petition below.
This week I met with Hackney Quest and the London’s Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement. I listened to young people’s ideas about how to put an end to youth violence in Hackney and discussed how a long-term approach was needed over short-term initiatives.
To find out more about the work Hackney Quest does for the community click visit http://www.hackneyquest.org.uk/
I visited Wentworth Nursery School in Hackney Wick to meet with children, parents and staff and discuss the successes and challenges in providing early years education.
Cllr Chris Kennedy also met parents and we discussed special educational needs provisions in Hackney. Government has cut funding to councils by over 40% in the last eight years, stretching the funding support for children’s special needs.
I was delighted to join Path to Success, a charity which supports 12 elite para-athletes to compete at the next Olympics
I met so many inspiring athletes, including the London Titans basketball team, at the Copper Box for a charity Wheelchair Basketball game. For more information about how to support this fantastic cause, see: https://www.pathtosuccess.org.uk/
I signed Hackney Council and the Co-op Party's Charter Against Modern Slavery, alongside Mayor Philip Glanville and Diane Abbott MP.
Cuts to policing are hitting Hackney hard. I recently challenged the Minister for Police about the ineffective funding formula for policing. The Home Office fails to systematically assess the financial sustainability of policing in England. Government needs to get a grip and understand the impact cuts to funding are having locally.
Many residents have contacted me to express their concern over the changes to bus routes in Hackney. I have raised these issues directly with TfL and they have asked me to provide more information on when, and in which direction, delays have occurred so they can investigate these incidents.
If you’ve had a bad experience with the number 30 bus since the withdrawal of the 277 bus route, or any other bus route, then please contact my office via meghilliermp@parliament.uk or using the ‘Contact’ tab on this website.
Hackney hosts one of the most vibrant and emerging technology hubs in London. However, many businesses and households that rely heavily on broadband connections are still facing below- average broadband speed.
Last week I urged the Government to ensure that more will be done to deliver superfast broadband in Hackney.
Last week I asked the Prime Minister what her message was to parents whose children’s schools were cutting short the school week due to funding pressures.
Schools within Hackney and across the country are facing no other option but to reduce schooling hours due to a lack of financial resources. This is not acceptable and the Government needs to ensure that this does not become the norm.
The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has launched an inquiry on leasehold reform.
This is an issue that is currently affecting a number of my constituents, so I am pleased to hear that the Committee has taken up these concerns.
If you have been affected, or have an interest in this issue, you can make a written submission via the following link.