I hope you had a wonderful summer. Parliament has returned from summer recess, and things have certainly been busy! 

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been busy meeting with organisations across Croydon West, continuing to support constituents through casework, and settling into my new role as Minister for Policing and Crime. 

It is a great honour to have been appointed Minister for Policing and Crime. My absolute priority is the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our country. I look forward to working closely with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, our police forces, local partners, and communities to make our neighbourhoods safer and protect people from crime. 

Below, you’ll find an update on some of the work I’ve been doing recently. As always, if you need support, want to raise an issue, or share your views, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. For casework, email [email protected], and for political issues, contact [email protected]. 

First day on the job  

On my first day on the job, I was out in central London talking to the Metropolitan Police about how we tackle the scourge of street robberies and mobile phone theft. I will do everything in my power to make our streets safer. 

The UK recognises the state of Palestine  

The UK has now officially recognised the state of Palestine. This historic decision, taken alongside some of our closest allies, reflects our unwavering commitment to a two-state solution and affirms the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. You can read my full statement here: https://sarah-jones.org/2025/09/25/my-statement-on-gaza-25-09/

Delivering on casework

Since the start of September, I have received just under 1500 casework emails, 44% of the casework is related to Housing. A lot of the enquiries are about council-provided temporary accommodation, urgent maintenances issues or repairs, and service charge increases.

In the last month we’ve had some great wins:

• A mum and her daughter were facing eviction and the real worry of losing their home. After we got in touch with Southwark Council, they were offered a new two-bedroom flat. It was a huge relief for them both.
• One resident in Bensham Manor was struggling with ongoing nuisance and anti-social behaviour from a neighbouring property. We raised the issue with Croydon Council, who issued a formal warning.
• Another constituent had been waiting far too long for a decision on her housing application. We worked with the council to speed up the process, and she received both the support she needed and a full apology.
• A resident was wrongly given a penalty charge notice and couldn’t get it cancelled on her own. We contacted the council, and they admitted the error, cancelled the fine, and apologised.

A huge thanks must go to my small team for all their hard work, and their continued ability to get results.

Supporting Residents in Queen’s Quarter

Since October 2024, I’ve been working closely with residents of The Fold and other buildings in Queen’s Quarter to raise their concerns and push for action on a number of ongoing issues. These include essential repair works and maintenance problems such as mold and leaks. Residents living in the Fold will need to vacate the property in March 2026 while repair works take place.

Throughout this time, my office and I have remained actively engaged — attending meetings, staying in daily contact with L&G, L&Q, the Mayor, and Urban Bubble, and keeping residents updated through regular emails and letters. I’ve consistently pressed for transparency and clear communication, and from the outset, I’ve encouraged a coordinated approach to ensure residents are properly supported.

I’ll continue to stay involved to make sure residents receive the help, information, and outcomes they need. If you’re affected or have concerns, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Raleigh House Casework Win

After residents wrote to me about disrepair at Raleigh House, I visited the site, met with residents and the housing association’s leadership, and kept pushing for action. I’m delighted to have been told that 8 out of 10 repairs have now been completed – and I’ll keep following up until the final issues are sorted. I am checking in with residents directly to make sure that the repairs are complete and done properly. Thank you to everyone who got in touch. If there’s anything I can do as your MP, please email me at [email protected]. My team and I are here to help.

Standing Up for Better Housing in Croydon West

Housing is the number one concern for my constituents – and I’m standing up for them to drive change. That’s why I recently sat down with the National Housing Federation, MOAT, L&Q, Clarion, Hexagon, Wandle, and Hyde Group. Together, we talked about their plans to improve the services they provide to customers. We also discussed the challenges facing Croydon and, importantly, what more can be done to deliver better outcomes for local people. At the same time, Labour has introduced a raft of new measures to support housing – including billions to build affordable new homes and a ten-year social housing rent settlement. Going forward, I’ll keep pushing for greater collaboration and better solutions for people in Croydon West.

Meeting Croydon Vision

I recently visited Croydon Vision, which plays an integral role in supporting the blind and partially sighted community across our borough. There are so many brilliant support services available and it’s free to become a member. If you or someone you know could benefit, I encourage you to check out their website.

Celebrating Culture and Community at Chariot Festival

The Chariot Festival at Thornton Heath Ganapathy Temple was a joyous occasion, bringing together the Tamil and Hindu communities, and the wider Croydon family. These communities make an immense cultural, social and economic contribution to our town. It was a pleasure to join in and celebrate the richness they bring to Croydon.

Meeting Residents Across Croydon West

Thank you to everyone who came along to my recent advice surgery held in Fairfield. It’s always a privilege to speak with residents and offer support where we can. I’m also very grateful to the brilliant organisations who joined us, including Mind, South West London Law Centre, Croydon Healthy Homes, and Citizens Advice, for their valuable advice and support. Every month, I’m visiting a different ward in Croydon West to hold these sessions. Whether it’s an advice surgery or a coffee morning, it’s a chance to meet residents, listen to their concerns, and offer help wherever possible.

Brandon Trust Visit Parliament

After seeing the incredible work that Brandon Trust does in Croydon, I was delighted to welcome them to Parliament for a tour. It was wonderful to have the chance to meet the team and hear more about their impact. Brandon Trust is an inspiring organisation that supports people with learning disabilities and autism to live life the way they want.

Help Keep UNACC Open

Upper Norwood Association for Community Care (UNACC) is a brilliant lunch and social club for anyone over 50. They offer warm meals, yoga, games, lakeside walks, therapy dog visits, and more — a lifeline for those who might otherwise be on their own. But after Croydon Council cut its £40,000 annual grant — nearly half its budget — UNACC may face closure by March 2026. Under Mayor Jason Perry, we are losing vital community spaces, even as council tax rises. Please donate to keep it open. If you know someone who might benefit, head to unacc.org.uk.

Answering Students’ Questions at Harris Invictus

I had a brilliant Q&A at Harris Invictus in West Croydon, where we covered everything from how to improve our town centre, to opportunities this government is creating for young people, to how the Renters’ Rights Bill is helping renters, and more. The students are a real credit to the school.

Meeting with Families Impacted by Drug Harm

It was my great privilege to meet two mothers who have lost their daughters to ketamine. It is hard to imagine the courage they have, campaigning to stop other mothers losing their children, when they have to deal with their own grief. I listened carefully to the families and will reflect on what they said. We are waiting on advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs on reducing harms, including potential reclassification as a Class A drug. I will meet the families again when we have that advice.

Croydon Young Labour Visit Parliament!

I was delighted to invite Croydon Young Labour to Parliament for a tour and a brilliant Q&A! Really enjoyed chatting with them and answering all their thoughtful questions alongside Natasha Irons and Rowenna Davis. If you’re part of an organisation in my constituency and would like to bring a group to Parliament for a tour, just email [email protected].

Speaking at the Police Superintendents’ Association Conference

I was delighted to speak at the Police Superintendents’ Association Conference. Policing will always be at the heart of our national life, and it is vital that our officers are set up to succeed. That’s why we will deliver the reform to do just that.

4th Dementia Cafe

The 4th Dementia Café run by Cllr Manju Shahul-Hameed is such a welcoming space in Croydon, where people living with dementia and their families can connect with others and access support. It was an honour to speak at their launch, and I’m so proud we have this kind of supportive space in our community.

Community-owned solar panels with Croydon Community Energy

I visited Archbishop Tenison’s School to celebrate the amazing improvements they’ve made to their buildings, including the newly installed community-owned solar panels. It was inspiring to see the students present their own renewable energy project, showing how young people are leading the way towards a greener future.

Great news for young people in Croydon West!

I’m delighted that the Government has confirmed further funding for the Youth Guarantee Trailblazers, which supports our mission to help every young person learn or earn. With this latest announcement, total funding for Youth Guarantee Trailblazers now rises to £90m across 2025-26 and 2026-27. This will build on progress here in Croydon, working with partners to re-engage young people in the job market and open up exciting new opportunities in education, employment and training. Supporting young people into good work remains a top priority for this government, and it’s great to see the direct impact right here in my constituency.

Visiting Shooting Star’s Hospices

This month, I visited Shooting Star’s Hospices, a charity doing amazing work for children and families in Croydon and beyond. Shooting Stars supports children needing end of life care and those with life-limiting conditions, as well as families who have lost a child and need support. Support them if you can and reach out if you need support.

Working parents in Croydon West!

The Labour government is providing 30 hours of government-funded childcare, which means local families will save £7,500 and children growing up in Croydon will get the best start in life. But that’s just the beginning, because Labour is creating a proper foundation of support for families, starting through our Best Start campaign. Now, parents can access a one-stop shop for support at our Best Start in Life parent hub, where you’ll find expert advice on anything from pregnancy, to introducing solid foods, childcare, early years education, and beyond. Find out more.

Pushing for Better Transport in Croydon West

I recently held a meeting with senior representatives from Transport for London, alongside Natasha Irons, to discuss increasing transport investment in South London. We raised the need for new projects, better crossings and junctions, improved accessibility, and upgrades to existing infrastructure.

It’s vital that Croydon receives the same level of investment as other parts of London, and I’ll continue meeting with TfL to make sure residents get the connectivity they deserve.

Three Generations of Amipak in Croydon

Located on the old site of a WWI tank manufacturer, Amipak in Croydon provides carton packaging for all major retailers – including for the iconic Wimbledon strawberries. The brilliant family-owned business has stood strong for 3 generations and today employs 100 people! It’s inspiring to see a Croydon company with such deep roots continuing to play a big role in our community and beyond.

Listening to Residents in Fairfield

Most weekends, I’m out across Croydon West speaking to residents, listening to their concerns, and picking up important casework. Recently, I was in Fairfield, spending time with our fantastic team and having conversations with local residents. I’m proud that we have three strong candidates in Fairfield for next year’s election – each committed to putting People First.

Visiting Paxton Academy  

I visited Paxton Academy in Thornton Heath and met a group of really enthusiastic students who had so many thoughtful questions. Thank you for having me!

Rowenna Davis Launches Her Campaign in Tokia Square

I was really pleased to attend Rowenna Davis’s campaign launch in Tokia Square, joined by the brilliant council candidates who are committed to putting people first and making our borough a better place to live and work. I’m so proud to be backing them.

Meeting Croydon Commissioners

It was brilliant to meet with the Commissioners at Croydon Council to discuss both the challenges and opportunities facing the borough. I’m looking forward to building a collaborative relationship as they work to get the Council back on track and deliver for residents.

Breaking Down Barriers to Work in Croydon

The Government is getting people in Croydon back into work. A huge funding boost will help sick and disabled people – and those facing complex barriers – get the support they need to find good, secure jobs.

• £18.4m is being allocated across five boroughs in South London, with Croydon Council leading on delivery.
• This will support around 4,800 people locally into fulfilling employment.
• People will get one-to-one help from specialist coaches, job matching services, and ongoing support for both workers and employers.
  Too many in our community face real barriers to work due to ill health or difficult circumstances. This funding will make a real difference – transforming lives and strengthening our local economy. I’m proud to support this initiative.

Check out the work of 12-year-old Croydon author

At just 12 years old, Croydon local Sarah Kittoe is a 5x published author, award-winner and philanthropist! She supports vulnerable communities, donates to those in need and even created a climate awareness board game. You can check out her work here: www.sarahkittoe.co.uk.