I hope you are keeping well and enjoying the autumn sunshine while it lasts!
This week has been packed with visits, meetings and conversations across Enfield North. Whether speaking with residents, meeting pupils and teachers, or pushing for action on local issues, I have been focused on making sure your voices are heard.
Thank you, as always, to everyone who has taken the time to get in touch or stop for a chat. It is always invaluable to hear your views.
🏫 Supporting Future Leaders at Alma Primary School
It was a real pleasure to visit Alma Primary School and see first-hand the fantastic work taking place across the school.
It was wonderful to see first-hand the positive impact of the breakfast club at Alma Primary School, ensuring children start the school day ready to learn and make the most of every opportunity.
I had a valuable discussion with the Headteacher about the challenges facing the school and the wider community, as well as the work being done to support pupils and families.
One of the highlights of my visit was meeting pupils who were preparing speeches as part of their campaigns to become school representatives. It was wonderful to hear their ideas, enthusiasm and determination to make a difference within their school community.
Taking part in school elections is a brilliant way for young people to develop their confidence, represent their classmates and learn that their voices matter.
Best of luck to all the candidates. Whatever the result, every pupil who puts themselves forward should be incredibly proud of taking part and having the confidence to make their voice heard. 🌟
🏫 Standing Up for Our School Communities
After meeting the headteachers of Bishop Stopford’s School and Suffolks Primary School, I wrote to the leader and chief executive of Enfield Council to raise the considerable concern and distress caused to staff, parents, pupils and governors by the proposed closures.
Both schools play an important role in our community and have achieved ‘good’ Ofsted ratings. Bishop Stopford’s has also reported improving pupil outcomes, with its 2026 results described as its best in three years.
I understand that falling pupil numbers present difficult challenges, but the way the council has handled this situation is unacceptable. Sensitive information was shared publicly before school communities were properly informed, leaving families and staff anxious about their futures. The council’s first priority should have been speaking directly to the school communities affected. Instead, sensitive proposals entered the public domain before families and staff had been properly informed.
I share the concerns of school heads who pointed out at the Enfield Council cabinet meeting that report used by the cabinet to make the decision on closures was erroneous. It is unacceptable to make decisions which will impact the future of our most vulnerable children without Council leadership knowing the full facts.
Children’s futures are not a political football. Parents, pupils, staff and governors deserve openness, respect and a genuine consultation in which their views can influence the final decision.
If the council is serious about listening, it must hold a genuine, transparent and inclusive consultation before reaching any final decision. Parents and staff deserve more than a decision dressed up as one.
I have demanded answers and will continue standing firmly with our schools by speaking up for our schools, safeguarding pupils’ education and holding the council to account.
🌹 Representing Enfield North at Labour Conference
It was a busy few days at Labour Party Conference, representing the people of Enfield North and ensuring their priorities were heard.
A key announcement was the commitment to establish a National Care Service, providing free personal care for older people and protecting families from the enormous costs they can face when a loved one needs support. I know that this is news that will greatly benefit residents across Enfield North. Every week I hear from constituents who have faced heart breaking circumstances and I am pleased that the Government are working hard to ensure that the most vulnerable in our community are looked after.
I also met organisations working on important causes across our communities, with plenty of valuable conversations and ideas to bring back to Parliament.
I will continue working to ensure older residents, families and care workers in Enfield North benefit from a fairer, stronger and more dignified care system.
🧠 Backing Research and Treatment for Brain Cancer
Progress on brain cancer has not been fast enough, and families facing this devastating disease cannot afford to wait.
I welcome the Labour Government’s announcement of an immediate expert review, led by Professor Anthony Chalmers, followed by a national action plan and the appointment of a dedicated brain cancer clinical lead. The aim is clear: to remove the barriers holding back progress and get promising new treatments from the laboratory to patients faster.
I know how significant this is after hearing from the families of cancer patients in Enfield North. I am deeply pleased to see the Government take action and support patients to gain the fastest possible recovery with treatment that is both safe and can have an untold impact on the lives of both patients and their loved ones.
Patients, families and charities will also help shape efforts to increase participation in clinical trials, while the Department of Health and Social Care will partner with Cancer Research UK to strengthen brain cancer research.
Every patient in Enfield North deserves greater hope and the best possible chance of accessing life-changing treatment. I welcome this urgent action to deliver the progress that patients and their families need.
💡 Help with Energy Bills This Winter
With colder weather approaching, I want to ensure residents know about the financial support available to help with energy bills and debt.
The British Gas Energy Trust’s Energy Support Grant is now open, offering eligible households grants of up to £1,700 to help clear energy debt. You do not need to be a British Gas customer to apply.
EDF has also launched a £30 million winter support package, including £6 million to provide debt relief and debt-matching support for customers struggling with their bills. Eligible customers may also receive electrical goods, free gas safety checks and specialist assistance through partner charities.
If you are struggling with energy costs, please do not wait to seek help. Visit the British Gas Energy Trust or contact EDF’s customer support team to find out what assistance may be available.
You can apply for the British Gas energy support grant here, please make sure to check eligibility before making an application: Energy Grants | British Gas Energy Trust Fund Help with Energy Bills in England, Scotland & Wales
💧 Thames Water Compensation Payments Begin
Following the awful Bramley Road incident, which left thousands of residents without water, I pressed Thames Water to compensate everyone affected.
Payments have now started and will usually appear as a credit on residents’ accounts. However, some people have still not received their compensation, and others continue to experience low water pressure or problems with their supply.
This incident caused enormous disruption, and every affected resident deserves to be treated fairly. If you are having any problems, please contact my office so I can raise your case directly with Thames Water.
✊🏿 Celebrating Black History Month in Enfield North
Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the history, achievements and contribution of Black communities in Enfield North and across Britain.
Our Black communities enrich every part of local life, from our schools and public services to our businesses, culture and neighbourhoods. These communities make an enormous contribution to our schools, NHS, public services, businesses, culture and neighbourhoods. Their stories and achievements are an essential part of our shared national history.
However, celebrating that contribution must also mean recognising the inequalities that remain. Race should never determine someone’s opportunities, how they are treated at work or the standard of public services they receive.
The Labour Government is working to break down these barriers, from tackling racial inequalities in maternal and neonatal care to strengthening workplace protections, improving access to finance for ethnic-minority entrepreneurs and addressing the injustices experienced by the Windrush generation.
I encourage everyone to learn more about our shared history and celebrate the people who make Enfield North such a special and diverse community.
My next coffee morning will take place in Bullsmoor on Saturday 7 November, from 10.30am to 12pm.
If you are concerned about housing, street cleaning, community safety, local services or anything else affecting you and your family, please come along and speak with me. You are also welcome to share your ideas about how we can improve our community.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Please make sure to sign up for the coffee morning here to avoid disappointment: Bullsmoor Coffee Morning ☕ — Feryal Clark MP
Have a great week and please do get in touch if you have any questions or issues you wish to raise.
Best wishes
Feryal