Big fiscal events, like the Budget and the Autumn Statement, can often feel very grand and abstract. Amid the numerous big announcements that the Chancellor makes from the despatch box - and in amongst hundreds of new measures, regulations…
As we know, the economy isn't just about big, abstract numbers and international competitiveness - small businesses and working people feel changes in our economy most acutely, and I'm proud to belong to a Government which works to make…
We’ve been working hard to secure the investment our communities need. That’s why this week I am delighted that we have seen new investment confirmed to roll-out more electric vehicle chargepoints and to improve our local pools and leisure…
This week we had the good news that £211k from the Swimming Pools Support Fund is being invested at Hitchin Outdoor Pool and Harpenden Leisure Centre in our constituency. I look forward to see the difference this makes.
Your views shape my work for our communities. On Saturday I was out and about again with my team knocking on doors to meet you and hear directly about your priorities. Thank you to everyone who spoke to me - lots of productive…
Our villages all have unique characters and local concerns. On Friday I met with representatives from Lilley Parish Council to discuss the support that Lilley’s community needs and how we can work together to deliver for residents.
It is so important that young people engage in politics. On Friday I visited Hitchin Boys’ School to answer questions from pupils on politics. I was also pleased to meet their school F1 Team - find out how you can support them here.
The rural economy is key to our local communities. On Friday I visited a farm equipment business in Wandon End to discuss local business support and how we can continue to make our area a great place to do business.
Charging infrastructure is one of the biggest barriers for many in purchasing an electric vehicle. That’s why it is great news that Hertfordshire will get nearly £7m of investment to roll-out more local chargepoints - I’ll be fighting to…
Of all the things that make me proud to represent Hitchin & Harpenden, one of the most significant is our beautiful natural environment, including our rare chalk streams. Being so close to some of the best countryside in the UK is one of…
Our tax-cutting Budget puts an extra £1,250 into the pocket of the average full-time earner in our constituency next year. This week I closed the Budget debate in the House of Commons on behalf of the Government.
You’ve told me how important it is to secure the highest possible quality broadband for our rural communities. Following the great news that hard to reach homes in our constituency are set to benefit from a further roll-out of gigabit…
On Friday I also took the opportunity of being in Preston to meet with the Chair of the local Parish Council. Our beautiful villages are fantastic places to live and spend time and I’ll keep working with local communities to ensure they…
Our local schools are at the heart of so many of our rural communities. On Friday I was at Preston Primary School to meet with their headteacher and find out about some of the challenges they face. I’ll continue to do what I can to support…
Your views shape my work for our communities. On Friday evening I hosted the latest in my series of Town Halls and Village Meetings in a local village. Thank you to everyone who came along - lots of positive conversations, lots for me to…
The Plough pub is at the heart of the King’s Walden community. I’ve been working with the Save the Plough campaign to secure the pub’s long term future and this week I was delighted that plans to convert the Plough into a house have been…
As the old saying goes, all politics is local. In amongst the excitement around budget week here in Westminster, it's important to remember that the measures that we announced last Wednesday will have a direct impact on people's lives here…
As a Treasury Minister, I’ve spent the last few months working on our plan to deliver for you. This is a long term plan - and the Chancellor set out the next steps at the Budget this week. We’re supporting the most vulnerable with an…
As a Member of Parliament I’ve always tried to make it as easy as possible for you to share your views with me. Part of that is about trying to get out and knock on as many doors as possible and on Saturday my team and I were out again to…
I want to ensure that we all have the opportunity to invest money and build wealth. That is why to mark International Women's Day, I convened a roundtable to discuss some of the barriers to more women investing and starting their own…
Residents in Bedford Road in Hitchin have contacted me about their concerns over plans for a new bus lane. On Friday I popped in to meet with them and hear their views. I will ensure that Council decision-makers carefully consider their…
St. Albans Council’s Lib Dem administration continues to let local residents down. Following the latest delays to their Local Plan, this week the Council’s poorly-performing planning department - one of the five worst in the country with…
Charlton Road is a really dangerous road. Alongside our community, I have been campaigning to improve safety - and on Friday I visited the road again to call on the Leader of the County Council to take action.
The UK economy remains resilient and this week I was in Toronto, New York and Washington to promote our economy and our globally significant financial services sector. I had some hugely productive conversations with our regulatory partners…
Alongside the specific roles and duties that I take responsibility for as Economic Secretary to the Treasury, I work alongside the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the rest of our Treasury team to deliver the Government's major fiscal…
Like you, I want our communities to continue to be places we can be proud to call home - now and in the future. That’s why in this month’s survey I want to hear from you about the things you’re most proud of living in our area - and the…
Tackling crime is one of my top priorities. On Saturday I joined residents from Offley and our local police at a Neighbourhood Police Surgery, to hear first hand about some of the concerns about local crime in our communities.
It is always a great privilege to visit local schools and see the fantastic work they are doing. On Friday I visited Ickleford Primary School to meet with their school council - lots of fantastic ideas, and I’m sure we’ll see some of them…
Extending the Chilterns AONB will give us new opportunities to protect our historic landscapes. On Friday I joined Historic England and Natural England at an Iron Age fort near Hexton to discuss how extending the AONB can help us protect…
Over 3.5 million people in the UK are living with a rare disease. On Rare Disease Day I met with Kym and Karen from our constituency at an event in Parliament designed to raise awareness of rare diseases and look at the future of policy…