THE last few weeks in Westminster have been even more hectic than usual, given the Budget and the Libyan crisis, both of which led to hours of important debates.

Although constrained by the huge national debt. I think the chancellor delivered a good budget for business – a view shared by many local business associations – and among many good new policies were important reforms of gift aid and inheritance taxes, which could be worth more than half a billion pounds to the charitable sector in this country.

I was able to discuss these welcome changes with some of the most innovative voluntary organisations in Britain when I helped judge the Centre for Social Justice awards this week and was thrilled that two local organisations, abandofbrothers from Dorset and the Amber Foundation from Wiltshire, made it into the final.

* A highlight of my recent local visits was the wonderful hike with fellow walking enthusiasts along the Plain and Avon trail in south Wiltshire last week. Fired up with a double espresso from Colonel Grumpy’s Coffee Bus and accompanied by Zinzan the wonder dog, I walked along the well-marked trail, enjoyed the views and chatted to people in Netheravon, Figheldean and Ablington about the importance of sustainable tourism around Salisbury Plain.

I hope to be doing more local walking during this Parliamentary Easter recess and will relish being based in Wiltshire, which means more time for local visits and casework.

* I am also launching my No2AV campaign this week to highlight the uncertainty and unfairness that an AV system would bring to Britain and have written to all my constituents with more information on the referendum scheduled for May 5. As always, if I can help you with anything or if you would like to attend one of my regular advice surgeries then please do call my local office on 01672 519198.