June Highlights

June has looked rather different from what I expected. A serious knee injury has meant a period of recovery and more time working from home than I would normally like. While it has temporarily limited my ability to get out and about across Newbury and West Berkshire, it certainly hasn't slowed the pace of work. My team and I have continued supporting residents, pushing local campaigns, and making the case for change in Westminster.

Housing and Standing Up for Residents

Housing remains one of my top priorities. Through my work on the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee, I have continued pushing for leasehold reform and stronger regulation of managing agents—standing up for residents facing unfair charges and poor accountability.

There has also been welcome progress on unfair Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charges. After raising concerns directly with Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, movement is finally being made on an issue that has caused real distress for families both locally and nationally. West Berkshire Council has also played an important role in driving this forward.

The situation at the racecourse flats has understandably concerned many residents. While issues have been identified in a small number of buildings, it is reassuring that all other properties on the estate have passed external wall assessments with no defects found, and positive to see organisations working together to support those affected.

Local Campaigns Delivering Results

One of the biggest local issues this month has been the future of Thatcham Post Office. Following strong community campaigning and continued engagement with Post Office Ltd, the planned closure has now been delayed until October while a long-term solution is secured. I will continue working to ensure Thatcham retains this vital service.

There has also been progress on the Thatcham level crossing, with Network Rail now exploring options such as advance electronic signage to help drivers better plan their journeys. It is not a complete solution, but it is a step in the right direction.

Meanwhile, I continue to press for improvements to the A34, an issue that regularly fills my inbox and affects residents, commuters, and businesses across our area.

Protecting Our Environment

Protecting our chalk streams and holding Thames Water to account remain key priorities. Throughout June, I continued raising concerns about water quality and the impact of Thames Water's failures on local communities. The River Kennet is part of a globally rare chalk stream habitat, and protecting it for future generations requires action from regulators, water companies, and government alike.

Work is also underway on further discussions with Thames Water, the Environment Agency, Action for the River Kennet, and other local stakeholders to ensure that everyone is focused on practical solutions, transparency, and accountability.

Education and SEND

Education and SEND continue to feature prominently in my inbox.

Thank you to everyone who completed my recent SEND survey. We received hundreds of responses from local families, and my team is now analysing the findings in detail. This evidence will help ensure the experiences of children, parents, and carers across Newbury and West Berkshire are heard as national discussions on SEND reform continue.

I have also continued hearing from parents about school mobile phone policies and wider concerns around children's online safety - issues that remain high on the agenda both locally and nationally.

Looking Ahead

As Parliament prepares for the summer recess, my focus remains firmly on Newbury and West Berkshire. Alongside ongoing casework, my team and I will continue working on housing, SEND provision, healthcare, environmental issues, and preparations for my next jobs fair in September.

As always, if there is something you need help with, please get in touch at lee.dillon.mp@parliament.uk.