Christmas Message 2025

As the year draws to a close, I want to thank everyone who has supported me and engaged with our work.

This year has seen real progress - inflation rates are down, interest rates have been cut, and families are benefiting from expanded free school meals, cost-of-living relief, and new opportunities for young people.

Locally, we’ve secured a boost in funding for Redbridge and Waltham Forest through the Fair Funding Review after extensive lobbying, we’ve changed council policy so military compensation is no longer counted in means-tested benefits for veterans, and submitted evidence on SEND provision locally to feed into the upcoming national White Paper. We’ve engaged across government and with international investors to secure commitments for new jobs at Leyton’s Temple Mills rail depot, and supported continuing progress with the initial stages of Whipps Cross Hospital redevelopment.

I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and look forward to continuing this work in 2026. 

Please note that my team and I are at reduced capacity over the festive period. The office will be closed for the holidays from 24 December 2025 to 3 January 2026.  

My team and I will be checking our inbox periodically for urgent matters. If you are a constituent, please do still reach out via email for urgent matters.

Before contacting us, kindly review our advice and useful contacts page for details on how to reach emergency services: https://www.calvinbailey.co.uk/advice  

Please be aware non urgent enquiries will be addressed from 4^th of January. 

My thoughts and well wishes are with all those who will be working through the festive period, including our emergency services, NHS and social care staff and retail workers who keep the country running. 

Thank you for your understanding.  Wishing you a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year!