This month we have been hard at work addressing residents’ needs and set up shop (pardon the pun!) in the beating heart of Finchley Central; Tesco.
Dear Resident,
This month marks a year since I was elected as your Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green. Over the past 12 months it’s been a privilege to meet with hundreds of you, to work with so many of the incredible volunteer groups and charities in our area and to stand up for you in Westminster. We marked the milestone with a bang; putting £15,000 back in residents’ pockets after they were left without running water, holding the highest number of surgeries yet – everywhere from supermarkets to garden sheds – and bringing our wonderful local community organisations together for a summer party!
Our pocket of North London
This month we have been hard at work addressing residents’ needs and set up shop (pardon the pun!) in the beating heart of Finchley Central; Tesco. My aim is to meet residents where you are and to reach those who may never have never met their MP before.
Five issues my team and I have supported residents with in July 2025:
- Challenged and solved delays in Blue Badge applications.
- Found suitable housing for a family put in unsuitable temporary accommodation outside Barnet.
- Reversed incorrectly issued parking fines.
- Wrote to Thames Water to hold them to account for flooding on the Brent Cross flyover.
- Recovered £100 for a resident following an HMRC error.
Locally, summer has been a time to enjoy the good weather and good times in Finchley and Golders Green. Highlights this month included drawing the raffle and thanking the volunteers at the East Finchley Festival and firing the starting gun at North London’s ‘Race the Neighbours’. Well done to the N2 ladies who managed a clean sweep!
The view from the river (Thames)
In Parliament I contributed to an important debate on defending democracy and the security of MPs and other elected officials. I used my platform to speak about my predecessor, Mike Freer, who was forced from office due to appalling threats on his life. Such threats undermine our democracy and I will be fighting to strengthen our laws to protect the integrity of elections and democratic freedoms.
Many of you have written to me this past month about the proposed changes to welfare. As I’ve always said, any changes must be guided by two fundamental principles: ensuring we have a welfare system that is always there to protect the most vulnerable who need it; and that the system works to support those who can work and want to work to do so. I know it is a subject that people feel strongly about. The Government is now consulting with disability groups and I will update you with the latest plans in due course.
At work, the Government is providing support to those who need it. For those who experience the heartbreak of pregnancy loss, Labour has expanded support. The Employment Rights Bill expands the right to time off work for both parents following a miscarriage before 24 weeks. We’re also supporting working parents with a review of the parental leave system.
Finally, when it comes to furry creatures, I was proud to vote on legislation this month to stop puppy smuggling. Former vet and Lib Dem MP, Danny Chambers, received cross-party support for his private member’s bill to introduce measures that will cut down on puppy smuggling into the UK.
Putting the justice in ‘social justice’
Last week, with my justice hat on, I welcomed the publication of Sir Brian Leveson’s Independent Review of Criminal Courts. Sir Brian, a local Finchley resident and one of the country’s most distinguished judges, was invited by the Government to consider how we can address the terrible backlogs and delays in our criminal courts which we inherited from the previous Tory administration.
As Courts Minister, bringing down the backlog is my number one priority. Because, behind every court case is a human story, a victim, who is currently having to wait years to get their day in court – with some in London being told their case won’t come to court until 2029. Over the summer, I will be considering Leveson’s recommendations so that we can get swifter justice for victims.
Legal aid provision is also a crucial part of my ministerial brief. This month I announced an additional£20 million per year for civil legal aid. Access to justice is a form of empowerment. If you know your legal rights, you know your power and you can advocate for yourself. The additional funding will ensure that vulnerable individuals, such as those at risk of eviction and homelessness, will find it easier to access the aid they need.
The fun bit …
Photo of the month
Has to go to the wonderful cake we enjoyed at our community summer party!
The FGG Fuel Prize goes to….
The one and only, celebrity chef, Claudia Roden, who invited me into her home to make her special walnut cake. We enjoyed chatting about all things Sephardic culture, cooking and North London!
Community Spotlight
Taran Divani – an 11 year old who wrote to us about litter in Woodhouse Open Space! We have now written to the Council to ask this to be cleared up. Thank you for being so engaged and passionate about our community, Taran!
Olivia McLaughlin-Young – a student in Year 6 who wrote to our office with concerns around safety on her local High Road. Following Sarah’s letter to the Council on Olivia’s behalf, Olivia met with Councillor Kath McGuirk and Member Liaison Officer Dane McKnight to discuss this matter further. I hope you keep your community spirit as you move into secondary school, Olivia!
(Please send nominations for next month to [email protected])
That’s it from my community blog till September – enjoy your summer!
Best wishes,
Sarah Sackman
Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green