Matthew Bingham

Feb 19, 2025 | expressandstar.com | Matthew Bingham

Funding goes well beyond Labour’s manifesto pledge, helping councils fix the equivalent of 88,000 potholes next year and saving drivers hundreds of pounds in repairs. England’s roads have been plagued by potholes for too long, and the Government is investing to boost infrastructure as part of its Plan for Change. Antonia Bance, Labour Member of Parliament for Tipton, Wednesbury and Coseley, has welcomed extra funding of £3.3 million to boost repairs and fix potholes in Dudley and Sandwell.

Feb 18, 2025 | expressandstar.com | Matthew Bingham

Labour’s Employment Rights Bill will bring back the School Support Staff Negotiating Body, giving thousands of education workers a real say in their pay and working conditions. Under the negotiating body support staff would see: Professional recognition – better training meaning higher standards for all children Central pay negotiations – just like teachers Better recruitment and retention – fewer staff shortages Across England, over 800,000 workers stand to benefit from this major shake-up.

Feb 11, 2025 | expressandstar.com | Matthew Bingham

Antonia Bance MP is campaigning alongside local residents against the planning application, which is currently awaiting a decision from Dudley Council’s Planning Committee.   Antonia Bance MP for Tipton, Wednesbury and Coseley said:“I was devastated to see plans to turn the Old Chainyard into yet another convenience store. Our Black Country locals are vital to our community and need to be protected.”  “It was great to pop in and catch up with the landlady Amanda and her regulars.

Feb 4, 2025 | expressandstar.com | Matthew Bingham

It will make such a difference to local kids – and their parents.  Nearly 31,000 children in Sandwell – and more in Dudley - could benefit from free breakfast clubs. Providing a healthy school breakfast at the start of the school day helps kids concentrate in school and improves behaviour in the classroom. At the same time, breakfast clubs help with the costs of childcare for parents at the beginning of the day. The clubs are estimated to save parents £450 a year.

Jan 20, 2025 | expressandstar.com | Matthew Bingham

The Minister for School Standards confirmed Sandwell would receive a huge increase of 9.3% per head meaning Sandwell’s overall allocation will be over £81 million.  In her letter, the Minister for School Standards, Catherine McKinnell MP said: “For too long the education system has not met the needs of all children, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, with parents struggling to get their children the support they need and deserve.