Following a request from Valerie under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 it has been revealed that 26,892 green recycling bins have been left un-collected as part of Walsall MBC’s “Zero Tolerance” recycling policy.

Valerie acted as the compere at the Asian Voice Political and Public Life Awards 2013, which were held in the Members' Dining Room of the House of Commons on Thursday 7 February 2013.

On Thursday 7 February 2013 at Business Questions, Valerie asked the Leader about the Bedroom Tax.

On Wednesday 6 February 2013 Valerie asked the Prime Minister for patient’s voices to be heard, not just by the front line staff, but also by senior managers following the publication of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Inquiry.

Valerie has written to all Schools in Walsall South to encourage them to enter the 4th Annual Speaker’s School Council Awards.“ School Councils are an excellent place for pupils to learn about democracy, how to make a contribution to their communities and how to campaign effectively on the issues that matter. The Speaker’s School Council Awards celebrate the contributions made by School Councils from across the country to their school communities.”“The Awards are open to every Infant, Junior, Secondary school and College in the country and aim to reward the best School Council projects in each of the four age groups. The Judges are looking for projects that demonstrate the School Councils’ efforts to bring about positive change. The project could be anything from increasing the number of recycling bins in school to ideas to raise money for the school council budget.”“Winners will be invited to the Houses of Parliament to accept the winner's trophy from the Speaker of the House of Commons. Runners up will be presented with a commemorative plaque for their school and every School Council that enters will receive a certificate from the Speaker of the House of Commons.”“Having visited many schools across Walsall South since I was elected in May 2010, I know that they will be able to put forward some strong entries. I wish all the schools the best of luck with their entries, and hope to meet some Speakers’ School Council Award Winners from Walsall South at the House of Commons.”The closing date for entries is 30 April 2013.Further information and details of how to enter can be found here.