Labour Party Conference was an opportunity to focus on the issues that matter most to people across the country while celebrating the very best of our local communities.

One of the highlights for me was hearing the Prime Minister mention Stourbridge in his conference speech, reflecting on the extraordinary response to this summer’s wildfires. It was a proud moment and a tribute to the generosity and resilience shown by local people. While media attention has moved on, recovery continues. My office remains in regular contact with affected residents, helping them access support, and I continue to meet regularly with families and partner organisations involved in the recovery effort.

Conference also focused on tackling the long-standing social care crisis. Around two million older people are living with unmet care needs, often because support is unaffordable. A National Care Service would improve support for everyone who relies on care, while a Fair Pay Agreement and expanded Care Workforce Pathway would help strengthen and professionalise the workforce.

There has also been considerable debate about reforms to the triple lock. The most important point is simple: no one’s State Pension will be cut. Pensions will continue to rise every year and increase by at least inflation or 2.5%. The reform simply smooths out unusually large one-off increases caused by temporary wage spikes while ensuring pensions continue to broadly keep pace with earnings over time. By creating a more sustainable system, the Government can provide the long-term stability needed to finally tackle a social care challenge that successive governments have failed to resolve for decades. I am proud to be part of a Government prepared to address difficult issues rather than kick them into the long grass.

It has also been a pleasure to meet residents at recent coffee mornings in Lye, Stourbridge, Netherton and Brierley Hill. These events are invaluable opportunities to hear local concerns directly and discuss the issues I am taking forward on residents’ behalf.

Locally, I recently welcomed plans for average-speed cameras on Thorns Road and convened a Community Speeding Forum with police, council and highways representatives. Residents heard about increased enforcement against dangerous and anti-social driving, new powers to tackle vehicle nuisance, and planned road safety improvements across the constituency.

Since the meeting, there has been increased enforcement activity from the Police and Anti-Social Behaviour teams, with 16 £100 fines issued for anti-social driving and noisy exhausts and 4 vehicles seized for street racing in Stourbridge. Enforcement activity is continuing at night and in the daytime to help make our streets safer for everyone.

Following the serious collision at Oldswinford Cross, I have secured an immediate review of the junction. I have been raising concerns about this junction for years and the recent works have been a cause for concern for residents, businesses and myself. I will continue pressing for any changes needed to ensure it operates as safely as possible.