Last week I had the honour of attending a reception at Buckingham Palace for new Members of Parliament. I was extremely privileged to be able to meet Their Majesties The King and Queen as well as the Duke of Edinburgh and was extremely proud to represent Reading West and Mid Berkshire at this wonderful occasion. 

As someone who was born at the Royal Berks it was great to visit their Maternity department again this week (nearly four decades later!).

Two members of their team were recently awarded the Chief Midwifery Award which highlights those who go above and beyond in their care. The Maternity team also received a ‘good’ rating from the CQC and the Chief Midwife visited them to learn more about the care they provide – and use some of their care as a showcase service across the NHS more widely. 

I’m so grateful to the wonderful staff in our precious NHS and I will work tirelessly to ensure we give our NHS staff the support they need. That includes continuing to fight for our promised new hospital to be built as soon as possible, and ensuring that in the meantime our RBH has the best facilities and the investment it needs.

Recently I went on patrol with the neighbourhood policing team in Kentwood. We discussed how we can tackle the scourge of illegal bikes, and I was pleased to hear that the police are focusing on seizing bikes and using a range of innovative techniques to do so.

I’m pleased that the Government is serious about tackling anti-social behaviour with our Respect Orders. We have also introduced stronger powers for the police to deal with illegal bikes, making it easier to seize them and allowing police to crush the bikes within days of them being impounded.

Following concerns that residents have raised with me about high service charges, poor maintenance, and bad communications from managing agents FirstPort, this week, I attended a meeting of the Parliamentary Leaseholder Reform Group. Issues with several other managing agents were highlighted and we agreed to widen our investigation as well as seeking a Parliamentary debate on the poor practices of managing agents. If you are a leaseholder and have had any issues with your managing agents, please do email my office at olivia.bailey.mp@parliament.uk

Finally, I recently held the first of my regular drop-in events around the constituency in Purley. It was great to hear about local issues including the frequency of bus services and access to the River Thames as well as hearing about some of the great community initiatives that are being delivered by local volunteers. Thank you to everyone who came along. 

My next drop in is on Sunday, March 2 in Theale – If you live in Theale and would like to come along for a chat with tea and biscuits between 3pm and 4pm, please email my office at olivia.bailey.mp@parliament.uk