This week I:

• Contacted the trading standards team about the number of convenience stores opening in the city centre. Residents are concerned that some of them seem to be open late at night and may be selling illegal items. The trading standards team is taking action against shops selling illegal vapes and I collected some evidence for them from residents about the impact.
• Attended Council where, in addition the questions I submitted in advance, I asked a question about the Cabinet Statement to Council which included this comment: “Rather than focusing on cutting services we will address the forecast budget gap through an ambitious and cross-cutting programme of transformation called ‘Change and Innovation: Newcastle’” What evidence does the Cabinet have that this transformation programme will deliver the required savings? I also asked the Director of Public Health a question about welfare rights.
  The council passed a motion on Human Rights. I had worked with the Greens and Independents on developing this and was pleased it passed, although disappointed that the Greens opted to omit the references to specific human rights defenders.
• Met with the council and local residents to try and make progress on the repairs and maintenance issues at The Cedars.