THE last few weeks have reinforced my view that MPs must get out of the Westminster bubble and listen to their constituents whenever possible as this is the only way to assess local concerns and see the impact government policy is having on the ground.

Last Friday, for example, half the visitors to my advice surgery were having trouble getting appropriate housing – exactly the people the government’s new housing policies are designed to help.

I have also met several groups from parish and town councils over the last month to thrash through the new National Planning Policy Framework and have been able to take their thoughtful questions directly back to the planning minister.

Another visit this month, to the Wiltshire Victim Support Centre, gave me the chance to discuss the new and welcome approach to domestic violence problems being piloted by Wiltshire Police and also to hear that central government funding for these invaluable services has been put on a sustainable basis.

And finally, in my new job as parliamentary private secretary to Philip Hammond, my understanding of the challenges which service families face is enormously enhanced by the conversations I have around the bases, HIVEs and training centres of Wiltshire.

Some constituents will know I have taken up running (very slowly) and my dreams of breaking a ten-minute mile were briefly fired last week when I had the chance to hold an Olympic torch in Parliament.

One of these will visit Marlborough, Tidworth and Ludgershall in the run-up to the Olympics next year and I have been lobbying for the route to make a special loop past Tedworth House.

I will keep you informed of progress in this matter.

If I can help you with anything or you would like to come to one of my regular advice surgeries, please do telephone my local office on 01380 729358, write to me at the House of Commons, or you can email me at claire.perry.mp@parliament.uk if you prefer.