Valerie has today expressed concern that Walsall Borough Council chiefs are confused about parking charges and are “out of touch” with local people on the issue.

On Friday  27 May 20111 Alan Carter the ICT coordinator told Valerie that Palfrey Juniors, Class 10 won the West Midlands Region of the competition and are through to the Final. The  awards ceremony will take place at the Houses of Parliament and the finalists will be awarded £1,200. 

On 24 May 2011 Valerie secured a debate in the House of Commons on the controversial new parking charges in Walsall town centre and presented a petition of over 700 names to Parliament from businesses and customers in Ablewell Street.

Valerie was delighted to hear that two local primary schools have made it to the Regional Final of a national IT competition. Palfrey Junior School and Chuckery Primary School have made it to the short listing stage of Make IT Happy, which includes six schools from the West Midlands. They now stand a good chance of

Valerie is encouraging local people and organisations to contribute to an inquiry launched by the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee.  The inquiry will examine the Government’s proposals for policing reform, including the creation of a National Crime Agency, a reduction in bureaucracy, and more effective procurement.

Caldmore Balti House has won a place in the regional final after being chosen to represent Walsall South by Valerie Vaz MP in the prestigious Lyca Tiffin Cup 2011 competition.

Valerie has criticised the decision to close the New Art Gallery in Walsall on Sundays and Bank Holidays. The new opening arrangements which began on 3 April mean that the gallery is now closed at the only times when it is convenient to visit for many busy families.

On Tuesday 10th May Valerie hosted a reception at the House of Commons to launch Walsall College’s new ‘Accredited Skills for Industry’ qualifications.