Summer Newsletter 2026.

Hello,

I hope you are all safe and well – particularly after the past weeks of record-breaking heat.

As we edge near to the summer holidays for schools, I’m keen to flag that our Great British Summer Savings scheme has kicked off! Until 1 September, the Government is helping families afford a summer treat by cutting VAT on days out and activities from children’s theatre tickets to museum trips. Find out more information by clicking here.

There has certainly been a lot of change over the last few months and we can expect more coming very soon. Through all the transitions, my top priority is always getting things done for Lewisham North.

Best regards,

Vicky Foxcroft

Housing.

One thing I will always advocate for is more social and affordable housing. I spent a big chunk of my childhood moving around in temporary accommodation and getting a permanent home was the first step in finding security for my family.

I recently wrote to Lewisham Council to object to the revised plans to redevelop Scott House into student accommodation. The previous proposal – which included 137 much‑needed new homes for local families – has been scrapped. Lewisham needs more genuinely affordable housing.

If you would also like to submit any comments, you can do so by contacting Lewisham Council either through their website or by emailing planning@lewisham.gov.uk before 15th July 2026. You will need to include the reference number for this application which is DC/26/14383.

In April, I highlighted the amazing work the previous Labour Council had done in improving homes and reminded the Prime Minister that leaseholders and those with cladding issues still needed support (see video above). I was therefore pleased to meet with Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Building Safety, Fire and Local Growth Sam Dixon MP and her team about the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. The Bill has gone through pre-legislative scrutiny by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee and the Government is considering the committee’s recommendations before introducing the final version in the autumn. There’s a lot in the legislation which should help with developments in our constituency like OneSE8 where there are still disputes over who is taking responsibility for renovations.

Community Building.

Despite the heatwave, myself and local residents had so much fun at the Woodpecker Summer Social. Former councillors Dawn, Rosie and David had worked so hard to support the community to set up a tenants’ association and obtained an NCIL grant for improvements to the area. I had a lovely time in the sunshine dancing along to the DJ in the community centre and will make sure the new representatives keep the promises already made.

It was a great opportunity for residents to tell me how they want the £50k NCIL grant spent to regenerate the estate – from more bins, to green spaces and youth services. Socials like these are the first step in creating a sustainable and thriving community and I’m looking forward to seeing this one grow.

Violence Against Women and Girls.

In June, I had a really productive meeting with Nina, CEO of UK Feminista – a brilliant organisation based in The Albany, Deptford, working to tackle sex‑based violence and misogyny.

One of their core aims is to end sexism in schools. They offer training and resources to teachers, taking a whole-school approach that addresses the root causes of these systemic problems.

With the rise of the online manosphere, more teachers are reporting misogynistic language and abusive behaviour in classrooms. Without strong, early intervention in our education system, violence against women and girls (VAWG) will only get worse.

The Government’s VAWG Strategy published last December has been the hope we need. Built on three objectives – early intervention, pursuit of perpetrators, and support for all those affected – it includes allocating a £20 million package to ensure children get the best possible education on healthy relationships and consent. Schools will also be able to refer high-risk individuals for targeted support to challenge harmful, misogynistic influences.

If you would like to find out more about the Government’s plans, you can access the strategy in full by clicking here.

Creative Industries.

I was pleased to host another Creative Industries Roundtable in Parliament recently; this time focusing on what it’s really like for working-class people trying to build a career in theatre. We brought together institution leaders, top technicians and performers from working-class backgrounds – all sharing their experiences of an industry where class disparity is still far too common. You can read more about the discussion in The Stage by clicking here.

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITY!

In September, I’ll be holding another constituency-based Creative Industries Roundtable. I ran one last year and, unlike the roundtables held in Parliament, this is an open invitation to anyone who works in Lewisham North’s vibrant creative sector or is a constituent working in the arts. Please get in touch with my office if you’d like to join.

These sessions are a chance to hear directly from local creatives about the challenges you’re facing. As your MP and a member of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, I will take your ideas and concerns back to Parliament and push for change.

Schools.

This summer, the Government has made a number of announcements to keep improving opportunities for every child, including our 10-year plan to renew schools and colleges across England. Huge congratulations to Christ the King Sixth Form College on securing Government funding to revamp its buildings – with a new heating system, roof repairs and upgraded electrics on the way.

It’s been a pleasure visiting a couple of schools over the past months, including:

• Haberdashers’ Hatcham Primary School, to watch an Online Safety Assembly organised by Parent Zone and Google;

• St Matthew’s Academy, to judge the Jack Petchey Awards and;

• Lewisham College, for a workshop with my new student social media ambassadors to collaborate on ideas and content.

In May, I invited the primary school headteachers from across the constituency to a meeting to discuss the growing number of unfilled school places and the serious pressure this is putting on school budgets. Falling pupil numbers alongside rising overall capacity means many schools are now struggling to balance their books. The work to resolve this issue began under the last Labour council, and I really hope the new administration continues with it.

It was invaluable to hear directly from heads – many of whom I’ve built relationships with over my 11 years as MP – about what support is needed from both the Government and the local authority.

Deptford First.

When I was first elected in 2015 I also became chair of a local charity called Deptford First. We work with partner organisations to give small grants to people in Lewisham North who are struggling to access funds elsewhere. Our current partnerships with 999 Club and Lewisham and Bromley Credit Union are going well, and we are hoping to start working with some new organisations soon. You can find out more about our work on our new website, as well as make a donation.

We’ll be holding a fundraiser and networking event for local organisations in September. Get in touch via vicky.foxcroft.mp@parliament.uk if you’re interested in coming along.

Coffee Hours.

I was delighted to welcome so many residents to Honor Oak Community Centre for my Telegraph Hill Community Coffee Hour last month and to the 2000 Community Action Centre for my Evelyn Coffee Morning last week.

I try to hold these catchups once a month in different wards.

I thoroughly enjoy meeting local residents, learning about their experiences, and discussing the issues that matter most in the area.

Look out for my letters in the post inviting you to attend one in your patch!

Here to Help.

If you think I could be of assistance, please get in touch with my office on vicky.foxcroft.mp@parliament.uk and I will see what I can do to support you. My regular advice surgeries take place online via appointment and in-person walk-in. Find more information here.