Death and taxes

But, thanks to the focus of this government on the long-term economic plan for Britain, at least some taxes are now falling.

From this month our personal tax allowance will rise again to £10,000 meaning that on average, we taxpayers will keep £705 more of our own money each year while 3m people will pay no tax at all. Britain’s businesses – the lifeblood of the economy – now only pay 21 per cent corporate tax.

While business investment taxes have been virtually abolished so that those running companies can increase employment, invest and expand to boost the economy.

Our local economy will see its own welcome boost over the next few years as thousands of new service families bring their spending power “home” from German bases and this month I have been focusing closely on the plans for rebasing, especially the location of new housing and the investment in new capacity for public services.

Based on my own visits to the sites, it does seem as if some of the official views about new housing – especially any negative impact on Stonehenge – are based on maps rather than reality and I have passed on my views to the MoD and those in charge of the rebasing programme.

While out on the Plain I saw the old First World War airfield in Larkhill which reminded me that this year will see us mark the 100th anniversary of the start of that terrible conflict which claimed more than 16 million lives around the world.

It is good to see that more than £50 million is being set aside to commemorate the centenary and, as there can be no other part of the country more affected than ours by the military build-up for both world wars, there will be many events to attend in the next few months. If local communities want to organise their own commemorations there are still funds available, with details on the hlf.org.uk website about to how to apply.