Weekly Update
💼 £20 Million Boost to Help Londoners Back into Work
The Government has announced an extension of its Inactivity Trailblazers programme for another year - with a major focus on London.
📍 What this means for London
£20 million of new funding will support three Inactivity Trailblazer projects in London, more than any other region.
Enfield has been allocated £540,960 for the period April 2025 to March 2026. The funding is to be allocated across four strands: Economic inactive support (job brokerage), Self-employment & transferable skills support, AI & digital up-skilling and a Childcare support fund.
These programmes will support people who face complex barriers to work - including poor mental health, disability, long-term health conditions, low skills, or social isolation.
Local authorities will be in the driving seat, designing solutions that fit London’s communities, job market and cultural needs.
What the programme will do
Trailblazers are a new, locally-led approach to employment support, focused on those furthest from the labour market. In London, funding can be used for:
Mental health support and counselling
Confidence-building and peer support groups
Skills training and work-readiness programmes
Support for disabled people and those with long-term conditions
Partnerships with employers to improve recruitment practices
Why this matters
London still faces high levels of economic inactivity, particularly among young people, residents with disabilities and those with health challenges.
Traditional employment programmes often don’t work for people facing complex, personal barriers.
This initiative gives local leaders the freedom to create practical, community-based support that tackles the real causes of unemployment - not just the symptoms.
This is part of the Labour Government’s wider commitment to unlock opportunity, break down barriers to work and ensure every community shares in the benefits of economic recovery.
🏠 Labour Government & London Mayor Unveil Major Plan to Speed Up Housebuilding in London
The Labour Government and Mayor of London have announced a package of emergency measures to tackle the capital’s housing crisis and get more homes built - including affordable and social housing.
🌆 Key Measures Announced
Fast-track planning route for developments with at least 20% affordable housing to speed up delivery.
Temporary relief on development levies to help developers start building more quickly.
New powers for the Mayor to:
Review and call in housing schemes of 50+ homes where councils are minded to refuse.
Take decisions on developments over 1,000sqm on green belt land.
Expedite planning decisions and reduce delays by up to six months.
£322 million City Hall Developer Investment Fund to unlock stalled sites and boost construction.
‘Use it or lose it’ approach - developers who delay could be required to share profits with councils to fund more affordable homes.
🏗️ Why This Is Needed
Housebuilding in London has slowed dramatically due to:
High interest rates and spiralling construction costs
The legacy of the previous Conservative government
Covid-19 impacts and wider economic pressures
Regulatory delays - with over a third of boroughs recording zero new housing starts earlier this year
📈 Building on Progress
London has started more new council homes than at any time since the 1970s.
Before the pandemic, more new homes were completed in London than since the 1930s.
These measures support Labour’s national mission to deliver 1.5 million homes across the UK and the biggest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation.
🎆 Keeping Pets and People Safe This Firework Season – The RSPCA #KindSpark Campaign
The RSPCA has launched its #KindSpark campaign, encouraging kindness and consideration during the fireworks season - something I know is particularly important to many pet owners across Enfield North.
Having heard from residents from across our constituency, I’ve always worried about the impact of loud fireworks on our pets. Dogs, cats, horses and wildlife across Enfield can become incredibly distressed - and fireworks can also affect veterans, people with PTSD, older residents and those with sensory conditions.
This year, the RSPCA is asking us all to “Help Quieten the Noise” by:
Choosing organised displays - such as those held locally - instead of home fireworks
Letting neighbours know in advance if you’re planning fireworks at home
Keeping pets indoors where possible and preparing safe spaces for them
Being kind and considerate to those who may be affected
I’ll be supporting the campaign across Enfield North and on social media and you can find more information about the #KindSpark campaign and tips to keep animals safe on the RSPCA’s website.
♟️ Free Online Chess Webinars for Children – Open to Enfield North Families
Chess in Schools and Communities is offering a series of free online chess webinars, running weekly from 18 November to 11 December. These sessions are designed for children in Years 4–8, though anyone is welcome to take part.
🧠 What’s on offer
Three levels available: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
Children only need to know the basic rules of chess to join the beginner group
Each level runs twice weekly to make it easier for families to attend
Parents can choose the most suitable level for their child
Alongside the webinars, children can continue learning through ChessKid – a safe, child-friendly platform designed specifically for young players.
🌟 Further opportunities
At the end of the series, some participants will be invited to join 10 online masterclasses launching in January 2026. Places will be offered based on:
Webinar attendance
Completion of weekly ChessKid homework tasks
✅ How to sign up
Parents who would like their child to take part should complete the online registration form using the link provided by the organisers.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with any families, schools or community groups in Enfield North who may be interested.
🚆 Funding Opportunity for Local Community Groups – Govia Thameslink Railway
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has launched the next round of its Your Station, Your Community Improvement Fund for 2026/27, offering funding to local organisations that deliver positive social impact.
This fund supports projects that:
Improve mental health and wellbeing
Promote diversity and inclusion
Develop employability and skills
Support environmental sustainability
Enhance local station environments and community spaces
✅ How to Apply
Organisations can check eligibility and submit applications via the GTR website.
If you know a local group that could benefit, please do share this opportunity.
❄️ Support for Older Residents with Energy Bills – Age UK Advice and Resources
As we move into the colder months, many older residents in Enfield North may be worrying about rising energy bills and keeping their homes warm. Age UK has shared a range of resources that can help older people access financial support, reduce energy costs and stay safe this winter.
💷 Financial Support Available
Many older people are still missing out on benefits they’re entitled to. Support includes:
Winter Fuel Payment – £200–£300 tax-free for those over State Pension age (household income of £35,000 or less).
Warm Home Discount – £150 credit towards electricity bills for eligible households.
Household Support Fund – help from Enfield Council with food, gas, electricity and water costs (eligibility varies).
Older residents can check what they’re entitled to using Age UK’s free Benefits Calculator or by calling the Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602 (8am–7pm, 365 days a year).
⚡ Help from Energy Providers
Energy companies have a duty to support vulnerable or struggling customers. Older residents can ask for:
A review of payments or repayment plans
A payment break or more time to pay
Access to hardship funds
Priority Services Register – offers extra support, including help during power cuts and assistance with meter readings
🏡 Practical Tips to Save Energy
Age UK also provides simple energy-saving advice, including:
Switching off appliances when not in use
Washing clothes at lower temperatures
Draught-proofing doors and windows
Guides available include:
Save Energy, Pay Less
Winter Wrapped Up
Help with Heating Costs
I hope you have a good week!
Best wishes,
Feryal