Weekly Update – Monday 4^th May to Friday 8^th May

This week has been a busy one in Parliament, but I want to take a moment to thank all of the carers, NHS staff and workers on the front line of our fight against COVID-19. I know that many in Edmonton will be mourning the loss of family and friends. Every death is a tragedy and while the toll continues to rise we need to remain vigilant – even if some lockdown measures begin to ease.

Sikh needs to be represented in next Census

Many of my Sikh constituents have contacted me in recent weeks concerned about the absence of a Sikh ethnic tick box in the upcoming Census, which will take place in 2021. The Government uses data from the Census to tackle discrimination and support different communities. But without accurate information, they cannot hope to tackle discrimination. One recent study showed that one in five Sikhs had experienced discrimination. This is awful and we need to do more to reduce discrimination of all kinds. The Census plays a key role in doing that, so I’m very disappointed the Government appears to have decided not to have an ethnic tick box for Sikhs.

Unfair treatment of Turkish Businesspersons

In Edmonton, we have a vibrant community of more than 7,000 Turkish people who have contributed so much– both in terms of culture and the economy. I’ve been alarmed to see that so many of our Local Turkish Businesspeople have been unable to receive any Government support during this crisis. This is because they are subject to the European Community Association Agreement (ECAA) which permits Turkish nationals to establish themselves in business in the UK, but not to claim public funds.

The Government needs to step in and provide the support needed to those on ECAA Visas. I’m attempting to raise this directly in Parliament and I’m also reaching out to the Local Turkish Business community to organise a Zoom meeting. I want to hear first-hand what their priorities are and what needs to be done to fix this awful situation.

UK Women’s Budget

On Wednesday I was proud to join the Women’s Budget group on the subject of migrant women and the economy.  Most migrant women have no recourse to public funds, meaning that if they lose their jobs or home they cannot claim benefits like Universal Credit, Housing benefit or get Homelessness support from the local council. Listening to the amazing speakers, like Southall Black Sisters and Women for Refugee Women the urgency of the current situation is clear. The Government must drop the No-Recourse-To-Public-Funds regime for at least the duration of the current crisis.

Universal Credit need to be fixed

Universal Credit is broken. Despite the patchwork of sticking plasters placed on it by successive Tory Governments, it remains unfit for purpose. The issues that have arisen with UC as a result of COVID-19 have therefore been unsurprising.

This week I was able to raise with the Secretary of State for Work & Pensions Therese Coffey the delays my constituents are facing when trying to make Universal Credit claims. Despite claims of ‘5 minute’ waiting times, I know many of my constituents are being told they will have to wait up to 8 hours when making claims. Fixing Universal Credit must be a priority in this crisis.

Charities need more support

We need charities more than ever, but during the lockdown they are finding it very difficult to raise the funds they need to survive. There are many fantastic local charities in Edmonton who do essential work; AGE UK Enfield and Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice to name a few. I’ve called on the Government to provide charities with more funding during this difficult. The funding already agreed simply isn’t enough for many to survive lockdown. If you are interested in donating to a local charity you might find Enfield Councils website useful.

Thank you for taking the time to read my latest update, if you have any issues that you would like to raise directly with me then please do email edmontonconstituent@parliament.uk. I’m always happy to help whenever possible.

Kind regards,

Kate OsamorMember of Parliament for Edmonton