Writing in this week's Redditch Standard (April 14th), Rachel said:
Astonishingly we’re already more than a quarter of the way through 2023, and so I thought it would be a good opportunity to reflect on the progress I’ve made on delivering on the priorities I set out at the beginning of the year.
My top priority was supporting you with the cost of living, and that’s exactly what the Government and I have been doing.
I’ve continued to hold cost of living events across Redditch, and I’ve continued to support Government policies to help ease the pressures you’re facing. This includes the extension of the Household Support Fund and the Energy Price Guarantee to help those most in need and to help everyone with their energy bills.
In 2023 we’re also helping to cut energy bills and the planet thanks to £1.6 million in Government funding to boost the heating efficiency of 280 council homes in Redditch.
At the beginning of the year, I also said I would do everything I could to get the Garden Suite back to the Alex before 2024 – and I’ve delivered. The chemotherapy unit is now back at our hospital where it belongs and treating patients.
On immigration I said I would back Government policies to tackle illegal immigration and to end the small boat crossings, and I’ve done just that. I voted for the Illegal Migration Bill which will ensure we have an immigration system built around the needs of our economy, and not one decided by criminal gangs making vast amounts of money by sending people across the Channel on small boats.
I’ve also continued my work to tackle violence against women and girls. So far this year I’ve been successful in my campaign to secure tougher sentences for domestic abusers who kill their partners or ex-partners. I’m determined to make sure women and girls in Redditch and across the country feel safe.
Schools are also receiving more funding this year. That was another priority I set out at the beginning of 2023. The total funding for schools in Worcestershire will rise from £498.6 million in 2022/23 to £532.6 million in 2023/24. As a proud product of the state school system myself, ensuring everyone, no matter their background, has a first-class education is personal for me.
There is so much more to do, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, and I’ll continue to work flat out to deliver on my priorities for 2023.
