This week I:

• Held my last Monument Ward Surgery at City Library and gave a local resident two litter-pickers on long-term loan from the council to use in community clean-ups.
• Reminded Alice Wiseman, the council’s Director of Public Health, that I am still waiting for answers to my questions about benefit take-up in Newcastle. I’d like to see a society where fewer people needed benefits because they had secure jobs that paid decent wages. In the meantime, making sure that people get what they are entitled to is good for them and brings money into the city.
• Supported residents with housing issues.
• Withdrew my objection to a licence application for Eldon, a new business on Old Eldon Square after they agreed conditions that mean it will operate as a licensed cafe rather than a bar. Clear enforceable conditions are a good way to allow businesses to flourish while supporting the four licensing objectives: The prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm.