Newsletter – November 2026
Welcome to my November newsletter, with updates about some of the things I have been doing recently as your MP.
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Backing a Budget That Delivers for Rochdale
The Chancellor’s Budget is one of the most important moments in Parliament, and I was proud to support a package of measures designed to help working people, strengthen public services and support local businesses.
At a time when many households continue to feel pressure from the cost of living, the Budget includes direct support for families across Rochdale. Around 40,000 homes in our borough will receive £100 paid directly into their bank accounts this winter to help with energy bills, providing immediate help during the colder months.
The Budget also delivers long-term support by scrapping standing charges on gas bills, saving households an average of around £45 a year, while extending the VAT cut on electricity bills to help keep energy costs down.
There is good news for local businesses too. Almost 600 businesses across Rochdale will benefit from a freeze in business rates, helping our high streets, independent retailers and local employers to continue creating jobs and serving their communities. This comes alongside the support already announced for the hospitality sector, including the 20% business rates reduction for pubs.
For me, this Budget is about backing working people, supporting local businesses and ensuring that those with the broadest shoulders contribute fairly. It means more support for families with their bills, investment in our schools, hospitals and defence, and continued protection for the most vulnerable.
It also sends a clear message about the kind of economy we want to build: one that rewards work, supports enterprise and delivers growth in every part of the country, including Rochdale.
By putting money into people’s pockets now, while investing for the future, this Budget will help provide families with breathing space this winter and create the foundations for a stronger, fairer economy in the years ahead.
New Mental Health Support for Children and Families
There was welcome news recently for children, young people and families across Rochdale with the announcement that Greater Manchester has been selected to pilot the new Care Together programme.
The initiative will bring NHS mental health professionals directly into children’s social care teams, helping young people and their families access support more quickly and ensuring services are better connected around individual needs. The pilot is expected to support up to 7,000 children and young people, alongside parents, carers and guardians, across Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside.
Backed by £9.4 million of Government funding, the programme will test a new approach to joining up children’s social care and mental health services. By intervening earlier and making support easier to access, the programme aims to prevent difficulties from escalating and improve outcomes for vulnerable young people.
Every child deserves the right support at the right time, and I am pleased that Rochdale will be at the forefront of this important work.
Paul Sees First-Hand the Success of Free Breakfast Clubs
As part of my ministerial responsibilities, I visited a number of primary schools and breakfast clubs in Bournemouth to see first-hand the positive impact they are having on children and families.
Breakfast clubs provide much more than just a healthy start to the day. They help improve attendance, support children’s wellbeing and offer valuable assistance to working parents; it was inspiring to meet pupils, teachers and staff and hear about the difference these programmes are making.
Ensuring every child has the best possible start to their school day remains an important priority, and it was a pleasure to see such excellent examples in practice.
Talking Breakfast Clubs on Roch Valley Radio
I had a great start to the day appearing on Roch Valley Radio alongside Tom McNeeney and Jo Ali. Community radio stations play an important role in bringing people together and highlighting issues that matter to local residents, so it was a pleasure to join them for a lively discussion.
As well as chatting about local and national issues, I had the chance to share some of my favourite feelgood songs, including Man I Need by Olivia Dean, Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles and Uptight (Everything’s Alright) by Stevie Wonder.
The interview also provided an opportunity to discuss my ministerial work on breakfast clubs. With many schools across Rochdale tuning in before the school day begins, it was great to highlight the support available through breakfast clubs, including free meals and access to new LEGO resources. Giving children the best possible start to the day is something I am passionate about, and it was wonderful to share that message with listeners across the borough.
Remembrance Sunday Across Rochdale
People from across Rochdale turned out in great numbers this Remembrance Sunday to join veterans, cadets and serving personnel in paying our respects to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
As MP for our town, it is always a real honour and privilege to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in Rochdale and later in Wardle.
Remembrance is an opportunity not only to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served, but also to ensure that their service and dedication are never forgotten by future generations.
I was proud to stand alongside residents from every part of our community, united in recognition of those who gave so much for our freedoms.
It was particularly heartening to see members of Rochdale’s Ukrainian, Polish, Bangladeshi and many other communities taking part in the day’s commemorations, demonstrating the shared respect we have for those who served.
My thanks go to the talented young people from Rochdale Music Service and Wardle Academy, whose brass band performances and moving rendition of the Last Post helped make the services so special.
I would also like to thank Rev Margaret Smith, Rev Rachel Battershell and Geoff Hurst for leading thoughtful and poignant acts of remembrance.
Rochdale has a proud tradition of supporting veterans throughout the year, and Remembrance Sunday once again showed the strength of that commitment.
Together, we honoured those who never returned home, remembered their families and loved ones, and paid tribute to all who have served.
We will remember them.
Remembering Rochdale’s Fallen Heroes
Every year for Remembrance, I have the privilege of laying commemorative stakes in Parliament’s Remembrance Garden to honour servicemen and women from Rochdale who gave their lives in service to our country.
This year, I paid tribute to Michael Francis Murphy of Littleborough and Brinton Hollows of Milnrow, who were both only 17 years old when they were killed during the Gallipoli campaign in the First World War. More than a century later, their stories remain a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by young people from communities like ours.
Remembrance is about ensuring that those who served, and those who never returned home, are never forgotten. It was an honour to represent Rochdale in Parliament and pay tribute to Michael and Brinton on behalf of our community.
Honouring Service at the Festival of Remembrance
It was a real honour to attend the Festival of Remembrance at Rochdale Town Hall, which returned to its historic home for the first time since the pandemic.
The evening showcased outstanding performances from the Corps of Drums and the Band of the Royal Regiment of Lancashire Fusiliers, the stirring sounds of the Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums, and an impressive display from Rochdale Sea Cadets (TS Frobisher II). Together they provided a fitting tribute to those who have served our country.
I was particularly pleased to see John “Jock” Mooney, Chairman of the Rochdale Branch of the Royal British Legion, receive the Mayor of Rochdale’s Veterans Award. Jock’s tireless dedication to supporting veterans and serving our community has touched countless lives over many years, and it was wonderful to see that commitment formally recognised.
The evening also featured powerful contributions from veterans, civic leaders and members of the Armed Forces community, reminding us why remembrance remains such an important part of our national life.
As Rochdale’s MP, one of my most important responsibilities is ensuring that those who have served our country, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, are never forgotten. Our borough has proud military traditions and deep family connections to the Armed Forces, and I will always do everything in my power to support service personnel, veterans and military families, both locally and nationally.
My thanks go to everyone involved in organising this memorable event, including volunteers, performers, sponsors, Town Hall staff, and the Mayor and Mayoress for helping revive an important local tradition.
Celebrating Rochdale Sea Cadets during National Cadets Week
National Cadets Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the brilliant opportunities and experiences that cadet forces offer young people,
and I was delighted to shine a light on the fantastic work of Rochdale Sea Cadets (TS Frobisher II).
The cadets continue to be a source of pride for our borough, helping young people develop leadership skills, confidence, teamwork and resilience while also making a valuable contribution to the wider community.
They have recently taken part in the Three Reservoirs Ramble and supported the opening of the new Veterans Hub and Café at Denehurst Park, demonstrating the positive impact they have both within and beyond the cadet movement.
I was also pleased to meet with Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MP, to discuss the outstanding work being carried out by Rochdale Sea Cadets. The Minister, who was himself a cadet, understands the life-changing opportunities cadet forces can provide. I was proud to share examples of the cadets’ achievements and the difference they make across our community.
It was particularly encouraging that the Minister recognised their contribution and took the time to write a personal letter to the cadets.
I would also like to thank the dedicated volunteers and organisers whose commitment makes these opportunities possible for young people in Rochdale.
Welcoming St Mary’s Pupils to Parliament
It was a pleasure to welcome Year 5 pupils from St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Balderstone to Parliament.
During their visit, the students toured Parliament and had the opportunity to watch proceedings in the House of Commons, giving them a first-hand insight into how our democracy works in practice.
I was delighted to spend time with them during a Q&A session, answering their thoughtful questions about my role as their Member of Parliament and discussing how Parliament makes decisions that affect people’s lives.
The pupils were a real credit to their school, and I hope the visit inspired many of them to take an interest in politics, public service and civic engagement in the years ahead.
Celebrating Diversity and Community in Rochdale
I was delighted to attend and speak at the KYP Rochdale Diversity Awards 2026 at Rochdale Town Hall, recognising the individuals and organisations helping to make our borough stronger, fairer and more inclusive.
It was a pleasure to join fellow MP Elsie Blundell, Council Leader Neil Emmott, Deputy Mayor Andy Kelly, Chief Executive Julie Murphy and KYP’s Zulf Ahmed in celebrating the remarkable contribution made by volunteers, community organisations, businesses and public services from across Rochdale.
The evening was a wonderful showcase of the diversity that makes Rochdale such a vibrant place to live and work.
From the Scots pipes and Indian drums to performances by the K&K Queensway Royals Morris Troupe, the event reflected the many cultures and traditions that enrich our borough.
Congratulations to all those nominated and to this year’s winners. Whether promoting community cohesion, supporting education, improving health outcomes or breaking down barriers, each winner demonstrated the very best of Rochdale’s community spirit.
These awards remind us that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths and that we can continue building a borough where everyone thrives when we work together.
Local Excellence Recognised at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards
I was proud to attend the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2026 and support two outstanding local businesses, Tandoori Flames in Littleborough and River Beal Takeaway in Milnrow, who were nominated for national recognition.
It was fantastic to see Tandoori Flames crowned North West Takeaway of the Year, a well-deserved achievement that reflects their hard work, dedication and commitment to excellent food and customer service.
I enjoyed speaking with owner Mo Uddin and his son about their success and the important role local hospitality businesses play in creating jobs, supporting the local economy and bringing communities together.
Congratulations once again to everyone involved on a fantastic achievement for Rochdale.
Championing the Future of Our Community Pubs
I recently met with Tom McNeeney of The Oxford Pub in Healey during a meeting in Parliament to discuss the challenges and opportunities
facing the hospitality sector.
Pubs have long been at the heart of community life, providing places where people can come together, socialise and build connections. Our conversation focused on the importance of supporting local hospitality businesses and ensuring that community pubs can continue to thrive despite the pressures facing the sector.
It was valuable to hear directly from Tom about the issues affecting independent pubs and the wider hospitality industry, as well as the vital role that community pubs like The Oxford play in bringing people together and strengthening local neighbourhoods.
Our local pubs contribute far more than economic activity alone. They provide welcoming spaces for residents, support local jobs and help foster the sense of community that makes Rochdale special.
I will continue to champion the hospitality sector and work to ensure that community pubs can flourish for generations to come.
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