My first Community Newsletter – April 2025

Dear Resident,

Welcome to my first Community Newsletter as your MP in Finchley & Golders Green.

As your local MP, I am passionate about building community and bringing people of different backgrounds together to spread opportunity. Finchley and Golders Green is an amazing place. I am proud to have been born and raised here and now it is my privilege to serve our area. I feel excitement and a big responsibility to work to make this a greater place for the next generation to grow up in.

So, I will be using these updates to share news about my work as your MP but also to create a space to spotlight local issues, groups and events who are doing brilliant things. In that vein, please do sharethis linkin your local neighbourhood WhatsApp groups so that together we can grow this Community Blog into a vehicle for real change.

Our pocket of North London

Over the last month, hundreds of you have written to me and I’ve met many residents in surgeries and at events. In the last month, my team has completed casework for 246 people. As an example, we’ve helped local people:

• stand up to neglectful landlords to enforce their housing rights.
• with their Blue Badge application
• obtain ECHP assessments and better provision for children with Special Educational Needs
• report fly-tipping and littering to the Council.

Where I have noticed wider, and worrying, trends with casework I have taken action to bring people together to find a solution. After residents raised concerns about a development in East Finchley affecting a local nursery, I relayed their views to the council and made clear that they needed to provide a suitable alternative site during construction. I know that the council has been working hard to find a solution and hope to be able to update the families who use it soon.

I have also been working alongside residents on Granville Estate who have faced a lack of water supply for weeks. I have launched a petition to ensure that they are compensated fairly for their losses. You can read about the petition and sign it here: Petition for Harpenmead Point Compensation​ – Sarah Sackman MP. 

As always, I have enjoyed visiting some of the local community groups around the constituency which make our area so special. From Oak Lodge, a school for children with special needs, to the brilliant St Patrick’s Day celebration at Cherry Tree Cafe – I have had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing residents. I look forward to my packed schedule next month!

The view from the River (Thames)

Last week, I hosted an event in Parliament to recognise the individual sacrifices and generosity shown by Ukrainian residents and host families in Finchley and Golders Green – however it became so much more than that. It was an evening of music, dancing and laughter, where young Ukrainian residents could form lasting bonds.  Amidst the dark and chaotic geopolitical landscape, it was heart-warming to see people coming together in a show of strength and hope.

Furthermore, against such a tumultuous global picture, the Labour Government has been getting to work delivering on its Plan for Change. I’ve been proud to vote on legislation that will have a real impact on the lives of people in Finchley and Golders Green.

Kickstarting economic growth is vital. It’s how we’ll spread opportunity in our communities and rebuild our ailing public services. Building the homes and infrastructure we need – from railways to data centres – is key to growth. That’s why I am backing the Planning and Infrastructure Bill which will enable our ambitious home delivery programme. The Government will invest in social and affordable housing  shows that we are gripping the housing crisis.

We are also working hard to improve the experience of those in the private rental sector. The Renters’ Rights Bill will make no-fault evictions a thing of the past and the Commonhold White Paper will end the feudal leasehold system in this country. We are delivering a comprehensive plan that will ensure that people in Finchley and Golders Green can feel secure in their homes.

In addition, I was pleased to hear the Home Secretary announce new measures in the Crime and Policing Bill which will give the police more powers to stop protests outside places of worship like synagogues, mosques and churches. One of the best things about Finchley and Golders Green is its diversity – people are entitled to feel safe attending their place of worship. Labour will ensure that our area continues to be the brilliantly diverse, tolerant and cohesive community that makes it so special.

Putting the ‘justice’ in social justice…

As Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services I am determined to tackle the crisis in our courts. So, I announced an increase in court sitting days to record levels. We need to deliver swifter justice for victims – this is just the start of delivering the radical change we need in our court system.

I was also delighted to announce £6 million of funding for legal aid services and centres such as the Citizens Advice Bureau. This will ensure that everyone has access to the justice system, no matter their ability to pay.

I have also been using my role to advocate for Britain’s legal services as part of our mission for growth. I was thrilled to announce £1.5 million in investment for start-ups in Law tech – an industry where the UK is world leading. We have also passed the Arbitration Act which will make Britain the jurisdiction of choice for legal and arbitration services.

Last month I also wrapped up my time on the committee as the Minister on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. The debate around this Bill has been sensitive, with strong feelings on both sides. That is why I am pleased that the parliamentary process has been conducted with respect and care. This helps lawmakers refine and improve legislation, making sure we provide the strongest safeguards possible in the composition of this bill. It really was the parliamentary system working at its best.

The fun bit…

Photo of the month by my Head of Office, Rachel

Wishing you a happy Easter, Chag Pesach Sameach or wonderful spring! 

Best wishes, 

Sarah Sackman 

Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green