Sean Woodcock MP Monthly Update (November)
Please see below a summary from Sean Woodcock MP on his work throughout October.
Cerys Upstone
Policy and Communications Officer for Sean Woodcock MP
Email: cerys.upstone
It’s been another productive month both in Parliament and across our communities. I wanted to share an update on what I’ve been doing on your behalf, championing local priorities, standing up for families, and highlighting the issues that matter most to Banbury, Chipping Norton, Charlbury and our surrounding villages.
Strengthening SEND Support
My first job outside of university was in special education, and speaking to local people, I know there are big concerns in this area. Therefore, this month I hosted a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Roundtable with parents from across the constituency. We discussed the real challenges families are facing – from delays to assessments, to gaps in specialist provision, to pressures on schools struggling to meet rising need.
I also spoke about these issues on BBC Politics South, highlighting the need for reform. SEND reform is crucial if we are to meet our mission to break down the barriers to opportunity for every child at every stage. We must get these reforms right, so that the system works in the long term.
I will continue pushing for a system that is inclusive, properly funded, and responsive to local families’ needs.
Parliamentary Work
I have continued to contribute actively to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee, pushing for better protections for renters, stronger community planning, and fairer local government funding.
I’ve also spoken to the Farm Retail Association, as part of the Rural Services APPG, and attended a Roundtable on Chiltern Railways – ensuring their services deliver for local people. I have also taken part in AFPS (Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme) training, ensuring I’m equipped to advocate effectively for service personnel and veterans.
Remembrance Events
I was humbled to take part in events for Remembrance this year, honouring those who served for our country. This included placing a wreath on the GWR Poppy Train, which stopped at Charlbury, planting a Remembrance tribute for Banbury in the House of Commons Garden of Remembrance and attending the Remembrance Sunday commemorations in Chipping Norton.
Thank you to everyone who attended services, volunteered, supported the Poppy Appeal, and took time to remember. Our communities did themselves proud.
Business, Schools & Community Visits
A huge part of my job is listening to local people and organisations. This month, some visits have included:
- Visiting InstaVolt – discussing EV infrastructure
- Visiting Leeds Building Society for Fraud Awareness Week
- Opening Kebabish, a fantastic new local business
- Celebrating UK Parliament Week with pupils at Bishop Carpenter School and St John’s Catholic Primary School
- Visiting Greg Browns Cookschool in Chipping Norton
- Starting the festive season at St Mary’s Church Christmas Tree Festival
- Meeting FEDCAP to discuss employment and skills
- Supporting the Winter food collection at Tesco, helping families through the colder months
I was also pleased to accompany Richard Greaves, Sustainability Manager, and former Managing Director of fantastic local business Cleenol to the SME Reception at No. 11 Downing Street. He was able to feedback directly to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, to ensure voices from our local businesses are heard and prioritised.
Helping constituents
I have held various meetings with constituents over the last month, to offer my assistance with the issues they are facing. This has included holding one of my regular surgeries in Banbury, hearing directly from residents about issues ranging from housing to NHS access to education and local planning. As always, if you need help, please get in touch.
Budget
At the Budget, I was pleased to see new investments into apprenticeships, allowing SMEs to recruit apprentices aged under 25 without the co-investment fee (the typical 5% employer contribution), as well as the end of the two-child benefit cap – which will help lift 2050 children in Banbury out of poverty. I was also proud to be mentioned by the Chancellor in relation to pre-1997 pensions, and I am glad that compensation payments from the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) and Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) on eligible pensions built up before April 1997 will from now on be linked to CPI-inflation (capped at 2.5%).
As we move into Winter, my focus remains on supporting families through rising living costs, backing local businesses, and ensuring our public services have the resources they need. Thank you to everyone who has written, emailed, or spoken to me at events this month – your views shape everything I do.
If you’d like to share an issue, attend a surgery, or invite me to visit your organisation, please do get in touch.
I would also like to wish all readers a very Merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy New Year. I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating with your family and friends.
With best wishes,
Sean
Member of Parliament for Banbury