Sean Woodcock MP Monthly Update (January)
Please see below a summary from Sean Woodcock MP on his work throughout January 2026.
Cerys Upstone
Policy and Communications Officer for Sean Woodcock MP
Email: cerys.upstone
In January, I returned to Parliament after the Christmas recess, and have been busy representing constituents in Westminster, and across our local communities.
In the constituency
My constituency work has included lots of visits to local groups and businesses, such as William Powell clothing, Rugrats and Half Pints, the Banbury Old Town Association and the Elephant and Castle pub in Bloxham. I was also honoured to attend the awards ceremony for the Banbury swimming club, which was a lovely event that showcased the talents of our young local swimmers.
Additionally, I have held multiple surgeries for constituents to speak with me, including one in Chipping Norton, and one in Banbury. These have raised various casework issues, which I have then taken back to my team to help sort.
I was also pleased to arrange a meeting and visit to Banbury Train station with local councillors, and representatives from Oxfordshire County Council and Chiltern Railways about improving accessibility for rail users at the Banbury Station southern entrance. Following this meeting, new pick-up and drop-off points have been created which will make the station easier to use, particularly for passengers with additional needs.
In Westminster
In Parliament, I have continued to advocate for Banbury and North Oxfordshire. As part of my work on the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee, I have been pressing for more affordable housing and faster housebuilding so local people can access homes they can afford. Some sessions have focused on the Government’s ‘New Towns’ programme, including the proposed development at Heyford Park. I will continue to monitor this closely to ensure it delivers for residents.
I have also met with several organisations raised by constituents, including the Samaritans and the Open Doors World Watch List event on Christian persecution. I heard first-hand accounts of the dangers faced by Christians in some countries and raised awareness of these issues. In addition, I signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment, honouring the victims of the Holocaust and paying tribute to the survivors who continue to educate future generations.
I have also advocated for our area in the Chamber on multiple occasions. This month, I have spoken on Local Government Reorganisation, social and affordable homes in Banbury, rural communities and the increase to APR allowance, which I welcomed for farmers in the constituency. I have also contributed on international affairs such as Diego Garcia and Iran, as well as speaking in the Finance Bill Committee on local issues, such as increased EV infrastructure and charging points, particularly in rural constituencies.
Campaigns
This month, I have also been working on some local campaigns. Firstly, I have continued to oppose Oxfordshire County Council plans to reduce the number of full-time fire fighters in Oxfordshire, and plans that could lead to a reduction in the size of watches in Banbury. These are plans that the Fire Brigade Union are also against, and I met with them to discuss the impact on public safety.
Improving the condition of our local roads has also been a priority. I welcomed the Government’s record £7.3 billion multi-year funding settlement for road maintenance. Oxfordshire has been rated ‘amber’ in its use of previous funding, so I wrote jointly with Anneliese Dodds MP urging the council to use its £167.9 million allocation to tackle the pothole crisis. I then launched a pothole survey to gather residents’ views and highlight problem areas, including Southam Road and Middleton Road, where conditions have become dangerous. I have spoken to the Council about this and will continue to update residents as progress is made.
Many constituents have also contacted me calling for a ban on social media for under-16s. I understand these concerns and the challenges young people face online. As a result, I wrote to the Prime Minister alongside 60 Labour MPs calling for an Australia-style ban. A public consultation has now been launched, and I encourage anyone with an interest to take part.
Finally, following my petition opposing proposed funding cuts to Banbury Museum, I am pleased that Cherwell District Council has amended its plans. Funding has now been restored for the 2027/28 financial year, with much smaller incremental reductions thereafter. This gives the museum vital time to secure alternative funding and helps protect its future. Thank you to everyone who signed the petition and responded to the council’s consultation.
I’d like to thank all those who have been engaging with me on local campaigns and have spoken with me about their issues so that I can intervene to try and assist. As always, any problems, feel free to email my office at sean.woodcock.mp
Best wishes,
Sean
Member of Parliament for Banbury