 A Department for Work and Pensions impact assessment shows that 650 people in Lewisham risk losing their homes as a result of the Government’s proposed changes to the Shared Accommodation Rate, making the borough one of the worst affected in the country.
 Today I joined parents and staff at Lewisham NHS Trust's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to launch a parents' library, parents' handbook and a 'then and now' picture board called 'The Wall of Hope'.
 Today I joined Network Rail and Deputy Mayor of Lewisham Councillor Alan Smith to launch the long-awaited upgrade of Deptford Station.
It was a very happy day for me. After years of complaints from residents I set up a Deptford Station roundtable to bring all the rail operators, developer and council together. After a decade of campaigning it's happening at last. Congratulations and thanks to everyone involved.  Following the Secretary of State’s statement in the House of Commons on Monday, I welcome the announcement that students who are part way through a course and currently in receipt of the full £30 per week Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) will not completely lose out in the next academic year.
 Following an exchange in the Commons during which John Hayes MP (Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning) said that college students' places would not be put at risk by the propsed to the Education Maintenance Allowance, I have taken up the challenge.
 I recently visited Lewisham College to talk to students in receipt of Education Maintenance Allowance. 229 of the students who are on two year courses will have their current EMA cut off when year one ends this summer. The students told me they were spending their allowances on books, equipment, fares and food.
 “Keep EMA” was the message I received from Lewisham College students when I met a group who are currently in receipt of the Allowance. The Government has said repeatedly that EMA is not well targeted. I wanted to sit down with students to hear their experiences.
 Today I stood up for the poorest consumers in Lewisham Deptford after pledging to vote in favour of introducing caps on the amount that payday and doorstep lenders charge for credit.
 Following the news that the Nationwide Building Society is closing 7 local branches, I have demanded an urgent meeting with the Building Society’s management.
 Today I took part in a Westminster Hall debate on the future of library services. I praised Lewisham Council’s running of libraries, including £6.5million of investment under Labour and the development of 3 new additional community libraries.
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