Weekly Update
As you may have already read, I stepped down from my role as Minister for AI and Digital Government this week.
It has been a privilege to serve in the DSIT ministry over the past year and I’ve been proud to help position the UK as a global leader in AI and digital transformation.
From launching the Blueprint for Modern Digital Government, to publishing the AI Opportunities Action Plan and beginning delivery through the compute roadmap, to publishing the AI Playbook and opening the Spärck AI Scholarships, we have laid strong foundations for the UK’s digital and AI-enabled future.
My personal highlight has been establishing the Local Government Digital and AI Unit – a new centre of expertise to give councils the tools and knowledge they need to harness innovation for better local services.
Stepping back from government will give me the chance to work even harder for constituents in Enfield North - driving forward the changes our community needs and deserves.
📊 NHS League Tables Launched to Raise Standards
The Labour Government has launched NHS league tables across England - a major step to drive up standards and deliver better value for patients and taxpayers.
From now on, every trust will be ranked quarterly against clear standards, covering urgent and emergency care, elective operations, and mental health services.
✅ Top-performing trusts will gain greater freedoms and reinvestment opportunities - from new diagnostic equipment to hospital upgrades.
✅ Struggling trusts will get targeted support, with senior leaders held accountable and rewarded for turning services around.
This reform marks a new era of transparency and accountability. It will help end the postcode lottery in care, ensure investment delivers real results, and give patients a stronger voice through feedback shaping how trusts are ranked.
For us here in Enfield North, this means greater focus on improving local NHS services - so patients at North Midds, Chase Farm and across Enfield can expect faster treatment, fairer access, and higher quality care.
Although I am disappointed that Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, which includes Chase Farm and North Midds, ranks 95th out of 134, I will continue to push for a better outcome and I’m confident that the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will ensure the NHS delivers for our community in Enfield North.
Victory for Residents at Forty Hall 🌳
Many of you wrote to me with your concerns about Enfield Council’s proposals to introduce parking charges at Forty Hall and a new Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) in the area.
I listened carefully to what residents, schools, and community groups told me about the impact this would have on families, visitors, and local access to one of our most treasured green spaces. I then made strong representations to the Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Ergin Erbil, to ensure your voices were heard.
I am very pleased to report that the Council has now confirmed it will:
❌ Cancel the proposed parking charges at Forty Hall car park
⏸️ Pause the CPZ plans to consider the scheme and its implementation
I welcome this outcome and will continue to work to protect our green spaces, make sure they remain accessible to everyone, and press the council to find fairer ways of raising income without putting unnecessary burdens on local people.
♻️ Community Recycling Day in Whitewebbs ♻️
The next Community Recycling Day will take place this Saturday 9am to 2pm in Whitewebbs ward, outside Brittany House, Blossom Lane, Four Hills Estate, EN2 0PG.
This is a fantastic opportunity for local residents who have large items to recycle but can’t easily get them to a recycling centre. The service will also give you the chance to:
🚮 Ask questions about general household recycling
🚮 Meet the hardworking waste and recycling crews who keep our borough clean
If you live nearby, please do take advantage of this convenient service — it’s a great way to recycle responsibly and support our efforts to keep Enfield North green and tidy.
🚀 Crowdfund Enfield: Exciting Funding Opportunity
Enfield Council is teaming up with Spacehive to launch Crowdfund Enfield - a fantastic opportunity for local not-for-profit organisations in Enfield North to bring community projects to life.
💷 What’s available?
A total fund of £50,000
Up to £5,000 per project (covering up to 70% of total costs)
👥 Who can apply?
Constituted not-for-profit organisations in Enfield, including:
Charities and community groups
Community interest companies and social enterprises
Resident associations and forums
Schools and educational institutions
❌ Funding is not available for:
Businesses or profit-making organisations
Individuals acting in a personal capacity
Projects covering ongoing running costs
Political campaigns or lobbying
Projects primarily promoting religious aims
📅 Learn more at the free workshop
Friday 19 September 2025, 2 – 3:30pm
Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Silver Street, EN1 3XQ
👉Register here
🌱 Ready to launch a project? 👉 More details here
Recess begins next week for conference season so I’ll be back with the weekly updates on Friday 17 October
Until then, take care.
Feryal