Families and businesses are facing eye-watering increases in their energy bills. But, unlike households, there is no price cap at all for businesses. This means that local small businesses are facing crippling energy costs now. The hospitality sector is particularly hard hit as, after the COVID-19 pandemic, some energy suppliers are refusing to supply to hospitality businesses. It means the pool of potential energy suppliers for hospitality businesses is even smaller.
© Gary Manhine
There have been a number of incidents of bike theft in Hackney recently. In some cases, cyclists are being targeted while cycling high-end bikes. Hackney is one of the top areas in the country for commuter cycling with 12 per cent of Hackney adults cycling at least five times a week. It is vital that people are not put off cycling.
Hackney families are struggling amidst a cost-of-living crisis that is spiralling out of control.
Bills are shooting up to eye-watering levels and the Government is asleep at the wheel. It does not understand the reality of people’s lives and the scale of the intervention that is required. This is a Conservative Party and a Government that’s lost control.
A number of constituents have contacted me about the high cost of energy for residents of buildings with communal heating systems. Their contracts with energy companies are classed as commercial and so are not subject to the Energy Price Cap, leaving residents with soaring energy prices.
As part of my ongoing campaign to improve outcomes for black women in maternal health, I wrote to the North East London Health and Care Partnership (NEL HCP) to ask what it is doing locally to improve outcomes for black mothers. I have now received a response, which can be accessed by clicking on the link below. I am pleased to see that the NEL HCP is planning to set up a local Equality and Equity subgroup to focus on this important issue. I will follow its progress closely.
Black women are four times more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth than their white counterparts. This statistic is a snapshot of the wider health inequalities faced by black and minority ethnic mothers and their children. I’ve signed the Five X More MPs Pledge to draw attention to this overlooked issue and join forces with other MPs in campaigning for the Government to act.
Transport for London has announced a new consultation that will impact bus routes 254, 279, 242, 135, 56, 236, 205, 214, 26, 277, 78, 47.
Buses are a vital lifeline for many in Hackney. As a mode of transport, it is a lot cheaper than the train or tube - these are just not an affordable alternative for some. I am keen to promote cycling but this is not an option for many Hackney residents who will continue to rely on the bus.
© Gary Manhine
It is two years since the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests that followed. See below for an update on my work in fighting for racial justice.
After much delay, the Government has announced plans to introduce legislation to ban conversion therapy. However, it has confirmed that trans conversion therapy will not be included in the ban. Any form of therapy to convert people away from being who they are, whether they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans, is wrong.
I wrote to the Minister for Equalities to press him to ban conversion therapy in all its forms. Click the link below to view his response. I will continue to press the Government on this issue.
The Big Plastic Count kicks off today. Join me and take part in the UK’s biggest ever investigation into plastic waste.
The UK produces more plastic waste per person than almost any other country in the world (only the US is worse). If things do not improve, then the global amount of plastic waste is set to double by 2040.