Now more than ever, it is important that we show respect, compassion, and solidarity with one another. I remain committed to ensuring that everyone in Falmouth and Truro feels safe, supported, and free to live their lives without fear or discrimination. This is a deeply difficult and divisive time, and I understand the concern and anxiety caused. If you have been impacted, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or my team—we are here to listen and support you, and your voice and experience matter. Email: jayne.kirkham.mp@parliament.uk Office number: 01872 300 353   We need to make sure that everyone in our society is respected and protected, and as your MP it is my job to make sure I represent all of my constituency.

Jayne in Westminster Hall debate on Residential Estate Management Companies The way we build, own, and manage homes has become unnecessarily complex—leaving accountability unclear and residents, understandably, frustrated. Over Easter recess, I visited estates across Truro and Falmouth to hear directly from residents and help untangle issues with property management. At Eve Parc in Falmouth, I met with Persimmon Homes and the residents to address long-standing concerns. With green spaces managed by Firstport, roads under Persimmon’s control, and council adoption likely still 18 months away, it was clear how easily communication can break down. And with the estate still under construction until 2026, residents will not be able to take control of their management company. In Truro, I heard from residents at Lowen Bre and Boscawen Woods who raised issues with Firstport as well—unclear charges, water leaks, parking troubles, and even falling trees. I appreciate the Firstport representatives who showed up and answered questions openly and constructively. Unfortunately, these are not isolated cases. Across the constituency, I have seen broken drains, unsafe roads, poor parking, and responsibility passed endlessly between builders, housing providers, councils, and managing agents, while homeowners are left to pick up the pieces. This is not about pointing fingers. It is about fixing a broken system. My small team spends an enormous amount of time chasing down answers that should be readily available. The current structure, especially for leasehold and shared ownership, is not working. That is why I welcome the Government’s new Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act , which has officially received Royal Assent and will: Ban new leasehold houses Make it easier for leaseholders to extend leases or take over management Require full transparency on charges Commonhold reform  will also give people real ownership, without being tied to distant landlords or unaccountable agents. I am not alone in this fight. A recent Westminster Hall debate on Residential Estate Management Companies revealed cross-party frustration ( see the full debate here ). Thankfully, the Housing Minister has committed to urgent action.

On International Women’s Day, we reflect on how far we have come and the work still ahead. As the fifth consecutive female MP to represent Falmouth since Candy Atherton in 1997, I’m proud to serve my constituency. Before the 2024 election, only 564 women had ever been elected to the UK Parliament. Now, within this Government, 40% of the chamber is women, a significant step forward. During the International Women’s Day debate, Jess Phillips read the names of women killed by men in the UK. The length of the list is deeply upsetting, but these women must be named in Hansard; their stories are a powerful reminder of the lessons we must learn and the challenges we face. Women still lack basic rights around the world, and this government is committed to reducing violence against women and girls by half over the next decade, treating it as a national emergency under the Safer Streets mission. Here are some of the steps we are taking: New Domestic Abuse Protections:  Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Orders (DAPOs) address all forms of abuse, including coercive behaviour, empowering police and courts with stronger powers to tackle perpetrators. Serious Consequences for Violations:  Breaching a DAPO is a criminal offence, punishable by up to 5 years in prison, a fine, or both. Support for Victims:  The Victims and Prisoners Act requires local commissioners to identify and address gaps in support for victims of domestic abuse, including accommodation-based assistance. Tackling Online Abuse:  £27m of government funding will help combat online violence against women through the Safe Online project, supporting survivors, gathering data, and reducing exposure to harmful content. Let’s ensure the next generation of women is safe, seen, heard, and empowered to take their rightful place in all areas of life, including politics. Read more from my column in the West Briton here

From April 1st, pensions rise above inflation, and wages increase, with the national living wage growing at its fastest rate in three years. This increase is a key step toward age and wage equality. This year’s wage rise marks the first part of a two-phase plan to close the age gap, recognising that bills are no cheaper if you're 20 instead of 23. By April 2026, workers aged 18+ will be paid equally to those aged 20+. Key updates include: National Living Wage  for those aged 21+ will rise by 6.7% to £12.21 an hour, boosting an eligible full-time worker’s income by £1,400 a year. National Minimum Wage  for those aged 18-20 will increase by 16%, to £10 an hour, representing a record £1.40 per hour increase, worth £2,500 a year for full-time workers. Under 18s & Apprentices  will see their wage rise to £7.55 an hour. These reforms are part of the Government’s broader agenda to create a fairer society, ensuring young people are paid fairly for their work and have access to more opportunities, particularly apprenticeships. Fair wages contribute to greater financial independence and reduce the number of young adults living at home. By empowering young people with better wages, we expect to see lasting positive effects across society.

The Employment Rights Bill has passed the House of Commons and is now on its second reading in the House of Lords. As a former Trade Union and Employment Rights solicitor, I am proud to see this government raise the bar on workplace rights. The bill will give UK workers the protection, voice, and dignity they deserve. The Bill strengthens protections by: Tackling zero-hours contracts Improving sick pay• Boosting redundancy rights Strengthening parental leave• Protecting against unfair dismissal from day one Supporting family-friendly rights and flexible working Enhancing enforcement Read more about my speech on the challenges faced by care workers in Cornwall and how the Employment Rights Bill will ensure fair pay and recognition for low-paid, mostly female care workers here .

The four Cornish Labour MPs holding the Cornish flag outside Parliament On March 5th, we celebrated St. Piran's Day both in Cornwall and Westminster. Not long before, Cornwall’s Members of Youth Parliament had the incredible opportunity to represent Cornwall in the House of Commons. It was inspiring to see the younger generation making their voices heard with such pride and passion for their community. Under the leadership of Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who chaired the debates as he does with MPs, the youth parliamentarians had a rare and exciting chance to speak up on the green benches of Parliament. See the debate here: Parliamentlive.tv - UK Youth Parliament In my constituency, the Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery hosted an opening celebration for St. Piran’s Day and showcased its recent renovation. The museum beautifully reflects Cornwall’s rich history and creativity; a space where Cornwall’s stories are celebrated and preserved. Among the highlights were Kurt Jackson’s exhibition on biodiversity, a powerful portrait collection highlighting St. Petrocs' charitable work for the homeless, and a fascinating exhibit on Withy-making, the endangered heritage craft of willow lobster and crab pots. The museum also revitalised its older exhibits, including a striking deconstructed phone which links Cornwall’s mining history to today’s technology. It is a fantastic space and well worth a visit!

Meeting NHS frontline workers. This government is focused on fixing the NHS to ensure it works better for everyone. Part of this effort includes removing the administrative body, NHS England. Layers of bureaucracy have slowed progress and hindered meaningful change in how healthcare is delivered. By transferring NHS England's functions to the Department of Health and Social Care, we aim to streamline operations, cut red tape, and redirect resources to the frontline staff—doctors and nurses—who provide care in our hospitals. This transition, expected to take about two years, is a step toward making the NHS more focused on delivering care to patients rather than on administrative processes

Jayne with Yvette Cooper Home Secretary. Shoplifting and antisocial behaviour (ASB) have become significant challenges in Truro, Falmouth, and towns across Cornwall. Thankfully, the government's Crime and Policing Bill introduces crucial measures to tackle these issues head-on and better support shops and their workers. Key provisions of the Bill include Respect Orders, which allow for swift enforcement against persistent ASB offenders, and the scrapping of the previous government's 'shoplifter’s charter,' which had deprioritised theft under £200. Additionally, a new offence will be introduced for assaulting retail workers to provide better protection. With 83% of businesses in Falmouth identifying ASB as a high priority, these steps will be a welcome relief. We have also secured Hot Spot funding for Truro for the next year. Hot Spot policing focuses on regular, targeted visits to high-crime areas, and evidence shows that when officers visit at least twice a week, ASB decreases significantly. While these new measures may present as an increase in crime statistics, this is not an indication of rising crime. Rather, it reflects the system functioning as it should—identifying and addressing crimes that have previously gone untreated. This approach will give a more accurate picture of crime, enabling authorities to respond swiftly and effectively, ultimately making our communities safer. Read more on this here.

This Government is excited to announce the rollout of the first 750 schools for the pilot of free  breakfast clubs, starting in April, and three of these schools are right here in the Truro & Falmouth constituency. A huge congratulations to Tregony Community Primary School, CHES Academy, and St. Francis Primary School for being part of this important initiative. Through this pilot, eligible primary-aged children will have access to a free breakfast and 30 minutes of free childcare every school day, ensuring that no child starts their day hungry, and every child is ready to learn. The Universal Free Breakfast Clubs are a cornerstone of the Government’s Plan for Change, aiming to break down barriers to opportunity and improve children’s wellbeing. Research has shown that these clubs have a positive impact on children’s behaviour, attendance, and attainment. The scheme also plays a crucial role in tackling child poverty, with around 67,000 of the 180,000 children benefiting from the program attending schools in deprived areas. This initiative is just the beginning, with ongoing funding and start-up support to help schools deliver these vital services.

A current statement on the proposed changes to our welfare system. I completely understand the concern, frustration, and anxiety the proposed changes to benefits have caused, and I am truly sorry for any distress this has caused. My goal, and the goal of the Labour Party, has never been to upset people, but to improve the system that so many rely on. The current benefits system is far from perfect. For the past 14 years, it has been structured in ways that make it harder for people to access the support they truly need. The repeated freezes to Universal Credit, for example, have left too many struggling to get by. This is simply not acceptable, and this government is committed to fixing this broken system to help people thrive, not punish them. The Green Paper released on March 18th marks the first step toward these reforms; introducing several positive changes, such as: An above-inflation rise of £755 for Universal Credit No reassessment for those with life-disabling disabilities £1 billion in funding to help people get back into work No introduction of PIP vouchers These are significant steps forward, but I want to be clear: the process will take time. Nothing will change until November 2026, allowing us to get these reforms right. The 12-week consultation process is an opportunity for you to provide your feedback and concerns, which I will ensure are fed into the process. After the Green Paper, there will be a White Paper with more details, followed by further consultations before the Bill is introduced to the House of Commons. Only after it has been approved by both the Commons and the House of Lords and receives Royal Assent will it become law. I am committed to ensuring these changes are fair and tailored to people’s specific needs. The Bill will continue to evolve over the next year, and I want your voice to be part of that process. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or my team with any questions, concerns, or ideas—we are here to support you, and your input is vital in making sure the Bill works for everyone. My email: jayne.kirkham.mp@parliament.uk

The danger of slipping into a cashless society is real. Since Covid, big banks have been closing their branches, leaving empty, dilapidated buildings in towns like Falmouth. This shift has deprived many the access to essential services, creating a growing sense of financial exclusion. Empty buildings in Falmouth where banks used to be. In December, the Treasury Select Committee launched an inquiry into the acceptance of cash in the economy, investigating the need to regulate or mandate the acceptance of physical cash in the UK and the potential costs and benefits to consumers and businesses. The call for evidence can be found  here . This January (2025), we held a roundtable in my Truro office with Truro BID (Business Improvement District), retail businesses and markets, as well as Citizens Advice Cornwall. It was argued that access to cash in the community remains a central part of a fair society.  Why is cash key? Many elderly pensioners still get paid their pension in cash. Cash can help workers on low pay to budget better (4 envelopes of cash, one for each week of the month, used as a ‘self-imposed’ pay packet). Many young people use cash because they don’t have access to a bank. Cash helps people budget and track spending to ensure that they don't go into debt. Cash is also vital for businesses. Around 10% of a shop’s takings may be cash, while market traders can see up to 50%. For some people, having cash in their wallet, purse, or pocket can help them survive in difficult times. A £5 note can be a lifesaver for many. There's also a wider economic argument to make here - if cash isn't protected, remote online shopping would increase, and many people would feel excluded from the high street. We must recognise the value of cash in the economy. For example, if you start with £50 cash and spend that in the local economy, it recycles and in simplistic terms, it remains £50 recycling around that local economy. If that £50 is spent elsewhere, it leaves that local economy.  As access to cash dwindles, we must remember that many people struggle with online banking and feel safer or need face-to-face advice and services (such as paying in cheques). Equally, at a time when those on low pay, still reeling from the cost-of-living crisis, rely on the benefits of cash, it should make us recognise and protect the role cash plays.  After meeting with Cash Access UK, as well as Falmouth BID and the town council, I have been playing a key role in securing a new banking hub for Falmouth. This hub will guarantee access to banking services and cash. I will continue to work with Falmouth BID and the town council in a bid to get the banking hub in place before Lloyds pulls out of town. Reducing access to cash may be convenient for banks, but it will be difficult for many people and the local economy.

10th-16th February marked National Apprenticeship Week. I attended the 2025 Truro & Penwith College Apprenticeship Awards - a great opportunity to celebrate apprentices and the impact they have on our community, local businesses, and the wider economy. Truro & Penwith College Apprenticeship Awards The Government marked National Apprenticeship Week not just with words but with action- announcing reforms that will create thousands of apprenticeship opportunities across the region. One standout initiative is the new ‘foundation apprenticeship’ for young people not quite ready for level 2 or 3 apprenticeships. It is an opportunity for them to gain valuable work experience and skills as they climb the career ladder step by step. The Government’s new plan removes the GCSE English and maths requirement for adults aged 19+ pursuing an apprenticeship at level 2 or higher, making apprenticeships more accessible and allowing many more capable individuals to finish their training. With support from businesses, these reforms could open doors to up to 10,000 more young people.  There will also be a boost to vital industries like the green sector, which is an initiative close to my heart. I am pushing hard for offshore wind in the Celtic Sea with knowledge of all the skilled jobs that it could bring to young people in the area.  Apprenticeships provide young people with purpose and direction. The Government’s efforts have already led to a rise in apprenticeship starts and achievements compared to the previous government. In Truro and Falmouth alone, there are 840 apprentices currently enrolled, with 50 having recently completed their courses. We rely on Cornwall’s Further Education (FE) providers to scale up in conjunction with industry. The government's recent reforms will help them shape that path. Fortunately, we have amazing local providers like Cornwall College and Truro & Penwith College - one of only five FE Colleges in the UK to have been awarded ‘Expert Apprenticeship Provider’ status by the Department for Education.  Young people are the future - let's help them get there.