Mary Kelly Foy – So much done in 2025; so much more to do in 2026

There is plenty to look back on positively, and lots achieved that I am proud of. There was the announcement at the budget that the two-child benefit cap is to be lifted next year. This alone will lift nearly 500,000 children out of poverty. As I said at the time, if this Labour Government should be about anything, it should be about ensuring our children get the best possible start in life.

This was backed up by the roll out of free breakfast clubs in schools, as well as greater protections for pregnant women and new parents in the workplace.

And this is only part of the picture. We’re reviving the success of Sure Start through the new Best Start hubs. We’ve banned no-fault evictions, making housing more secure for renters, and we’ve raised the National Living Wage for over three million workers.

And particularly in Durham, I was pleased to see that we were selected as one of the first locations for a Young Futures Hub, bringing together mental health support, career coaching and modern youth facilities.

And of course, there is the fantastic news that our vital local services will be supported with an uplift in funding for Durham County Council of £170m over the next three years. And this is before a penny is put on council tax. Make no mistake, this is landmark funding, to help deliver the services we all rely on.

But despite these successes, as I look forward to 2026, I am well aware that there is still a lot of work to do.

One of the most distressing issues I hear about weekly is the state of NHS dentistry. Over the last decade, the simple act of booking a check-up has become nearly impossible.

While the Government has made some progress, one of my key priorities for 2026 is to ensure that this work picks up pace, and the promised new dental places reach Durham. We need more than just “emergency” slots; we need reliable, local, and preventative NHS dentistry care. I’m now co-chair of the Dentistry All-Party Parliamnentary Group, so expect more on this next year.

Our small businesses and hospitality venues – the cafes, boutiques, and independent shops we all love – are the lifeblood of Durham’s identity, and the heartbeat of our communities.

However, the hospitality industry has faced a “perfect storm” of high energy costs, rising business rates, and changing consumer habits. I’ve already been vocal in Parliament about the need to properly support these businesses.

Supporting our local pubs, restaurants, and hotels isn’t just about economics; it’s about protecting our heritage and our social spaces. My own view is that the Government could, and should, have done more to support hospitality venues, and I will continue to speak up for them in New Year.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and is now looking forward to a healthy, happy, and hopeful New Year.