This emergency budget was groundbreaking. It was tough – but it was fair. For the first time we can see exactly how each part of society is affected and how the pain is being shared. Every part of society contributes but the rich will be paying more. The commentators – and the public, have generally given the proposals the thumbs up. Perhaps most important these measures enhance confidence in the outlook for UK public finances, shoring up the UK’s AAA rating. That matters because if we drop that rating, interest rates and the cost of borrowing that huge national debt –goes up.
For us in the West Country, I am delighted to see a reverse in the cider duty increase and the proposed changes to Furnished Holiday Lets. That would have been a tax on tourism. The Chancellor has also agreed to maintain capital expenditure plans, subject to appropriate evaluation of their economic benefit. While there are no guarantees on exactly what the future for the bypass on the A380 will be –at least we are still in with a shout that something will be done to deal with the gridlock which strangles our local economy. The County Council have a very significant role to play here.
Moving forward in government
But it wasn’t just the budget this week which grabbed the headlines but a number of other crucial changes. We are eight weeks into a new Coalition Government – and it is making a difference. We have faced up to the challenges of looking at what the welfare state should be – there to help the poorest in our society move out of poverty, not trap them in it. The detractors of these changes seemed quite oblivious to one of the major problems – the abuse of the system, which if sorted should save literally billions. The immigration cap being introduced will begin to address one of the biggest concerns you raise with me on the doorstep.
Armed Forces Day last Saturday gave us the opportunity to show our support for the men and women serving our country. I am pleased General Karzai has now been given a clear direction to put in place a more robust security and justice system by 2015 to create the strong stable government Afghanistan needs for our troops at last to come home. I am also pleased to see the government true to its word improving the lot of our soldiers, looking now at improving mental healthcare provision and doubling the tax-free operational allowance for troops serving in Afghanistan.
A week in the House
This week saw the members of the Select Committees elected. For the first time these roles were elected. In the old days this was a job for the whips. I am delighted that Dr Sarah Wollaston, in Totnes has been asked to serve on the Health Committee – someone who understands from her days as a GP here just what the real life challenges on the ground are. Neil Parish in neighbouring Tiverton and Honiton, who formerly served on the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee in Brussels as an MEP and a local farmer, has been asked to serve on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee. Andrew Lansley has invited me to join the Departmental Group for Health with which I am delighted. As many of you will remember, improving healthcare was one of the main reasons that I came into politics.
And at last I have an office! I am very pleased to say it is in the Old Palace of Westminster itself, a lift ride away from the Chamber which suits me very well –small but perfectly placed!