On Monday, the Government announced its new “Best Start in Life” strategy, which aims to reduce childhood inequality by investing in early years support through community-based family hubs. These hubs will offer integrated services including childcare, health, education, and digital tools to help parents access support.
From September, working parents will benefit from 30 hours of free childcare per week, saving them up to £7,500 annually. The strategy also includes new training, incentives, and a professional register to strengthen the early years workforce, with a strong focus on inclusion for children with special educational needs.
I was particularly pleased that Trafford is one of the three local authorities in Greater Manchester to benefit from a cash boost to enable us to meet these aims.
Tuesday’s big news was the Transport Secretary’s announcement of a landmark £92 billion investment in over 50 road and rail projects across the UK, as part of the Government’s plan to reconnect Britain.
This initiative aims to create 42,000 jobs, cut journey times, and enable the construction of 39,000 new homes, supporting the broader goal of delivering 1.5 million homes nationwide. Key projects include upgrades to the TransPennine Route and major road improvements such as the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine, M54 to M6 link and the Simister Island interchange near Bury.
I was delighted to see upgrades to the TransPennine Route – this will significantly benefit connectivity in North of England and benefit the whole Greater Manchester city region.
The strategy is part of a wider 10-Year Infrastructure Plan to drive economic growth, improve connectivity, and support the UK’s transition to net zero.
Volume 1 of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report, led by Sir Wyn Williams, was also published on Tuesday, focusing on the human impact of the scandal and the effectiveness of the redress schemes.
The report acknowledges the severe suffering endured by innocent postmasters—many of whom lost their livelihoods, reputations, and even lives—and praises the bravery of those who fought for justice.
Sir Wyn made 19 recommendations, including improvements to compensation processes, and confirmed that the Government, Post Office, and Ministers are largely adhering to the principles of full, fair, and prompt redress.
The Government has already paid out over £1 billion to more than 7,300 postmasters and has committed to responding to the report’s recommendations by 10 October 2025.
The Football Governance Bill also passed its Third Reading in the House of Commons, paving the way for major reforms in English football.
The Bill establishes an Independent Football Regulator to oversee the top five tiers of men’s football, ensuring financial stability, responsible ownership, and fan engagement.
It introduces a licensing system, blocks harmful breakaway competitions, and requires approval for stadium sales or relocations. This legislation aims to protect club heritage and (most importantly in my view) put fans back at the heart of the game.
Manchester has a long and proud footballing history including, here in Stretford and Urmston, Manchester United FC, and it is right in my view that the Government is taking steps to safeguard this legacy and look to the future of the game.
On Thursday, the Energy Secretary announced the outcome of the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA), confirming that the UK will adopt a reformed national pricing system rather than zonal pricing.
This decision aims to ensure fairness for families and businesses, attract investment, and support the transition to a clean, secure energy system.
The announcement follows major progress in clean energy, including lifting the onshore wind ban, accelerating solar and offshore wind consents, and expanding nuclear, carbon capture, and hydrogen industries.
The House of Commons also held a debate on children’s health, highlighting urgent concerns such as rising mental health referrals, tooth decay, and long NHS waiting lists.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to raising the healthiest generation of children ever, with plans including mental health support teams in every school, nationwide breakfast clubs, and supervised tooth brushing in deprived areas.
The newly published 10-Year Health Plan outlines three major shifts: from treatment to prevention, analogue to digital (via the NHS app), and hospital to community care through neighbourhood health centres. These reforms aim to make the NHS more responsive to children’s needs and improve long-term health outcomes.