This week’s column comes from Walsall as Parliament is in recess. But there is plenty to do and I will spend the next few weeks in Walsall North meeting residents, groups and businesses. And if my email inbox is anything to go by, there are plenty of issues to be helping with!
The issue at the top of my inbox this week has been illegal traveller camps. Residents are quite rightly distressed by this ongoing and extremely frustrating problem. I am also concerned and it is something that needs tackling head on.
For instance, I am aware that the illegal camp at King George V playing fields was particularly disruptive and the mess left behind has taken some time to be cleared away. This inconsiderate behaviour towards local residents is completely unacceptable.
Whilst these illegal camps put an unnecessary strain on the Council, it can be frustrating for residents that travellers can turn up on a Friday and it can take until Monday for the Council to visit the site. I would like to see the police and Council seek a borough wide injunction to give them the maximum powers to deal with the situation as quickly and effectively as possible.
Willenhall E-ACT Academy is another issue in my inbox this week. I was pleased that the National Schools Commissioner, Sir David Carter, has responded to my concerns about the inadequate Ofsted by personally intervening. This is certainly very welcome. He assured me that changes are already being made and that all options remain on the table. Sir David will be regularly monitoring the situation to ensure that progress is made in turning the school around.
I understand that change will not happen overnight, but change must be delivered. I look forward to seeing rapid progress being made and will continue to hold Sir David and the people responsible for school standards to account on behalf of the people of Willenhall.
Finally, I was pleased to see the Government announce an extra £1.3 billion in schools funding over two years – meaning school funding will be £2.6 billion higher in 2019-20. This has been made possible by rejuggling existing budgets, so at no extra cost to the taxpayer. This significant investment makes good progress towards delivering our ambition for an education system that unlocks potential for every child and allows them to achieve to the best of their ability. On that, I hope we can all agree.