THIS week I will be meeting headteachers from across the town to listen to their views on the changes that are taking place in education nationally, how the new schools set-up in Redditch is bedding down and any other local matters.

Schools in Redditch recently benefited from another increase in budgets to fund staffing and maintain buildings.

The spending on buildings this year comes on top of the £10 million spent on the schools in the re-organisation.

Anyone visiting their local school will notice the difference and now teachers and pupils are getting the environment they need to raise the achievement levels in our schools.

Around 87 per cent of a school's budget is now delegated to headteachers, allowing them to make more choices about what is best for the school.

With the extra money they are receiving (up by 8.4 per cent this year) and the commitment and hard work of staff and pupils, they will drive up standards across the town.

This weekend, after my surgery at the town hall, I will be meeting SCOPE members from Redditch and the surrounding area to discuss the work the Government is doing to support those with disabilities and their carers.

Recent developments to be discussed will include new rules that mean carers can now have their dedication and contribution recognised, not just by increases in Carers Allowance and other benefits but now also in the pensions system. In addition, the new Disability Rights Commission, charges for services and access to transport.

Meetings like these with members of SCOPE, headteachers and those visiting my surgery help me build up a picture of how my work in politics is affecting the lives of people in the town I am proud to represent.

It is not always a comfortable experience but it's essential.