THE first full week of the new year is always difficult as the challenges that lie ahead come into focus. I was pleased to hear a clear statement from the Prime Minister about protecting pensions to 2020.

This will come as good news to senior citizens who are experiencing the downside of low interest rates, which are anything but a blessing for people relying on income from savings to supplement their pension.

Flooding has dominated the headlines. In Salisbury, with our five rivers and numerous water meadows and flood plains, we are, of course, particularly vulnerable and many people are well-versed in taking precautions when water levels are high.

However, driving around the area and seeing conditions in Coombe Bissett, for example, it was clear that the problems are pretty dire and widespread in areas that normally escape unscathed.

The Environment Agency has been active across the district, while Wilshire Council corporate directors have been taking it in turns to man the control room, coordinating reports from the Environment Agency, Highways Agency and the Met Office.

Reports have been widespread that flood preparations have been restricted by the reduction in the budget of Defra (the central government department with overall responsibility for flood defence).

The reduction was, in fact, Defra’s contribution to back office efficiency savings across Whitehall, not a reduction in flood defence.

Local agencies have been working round the clock to coordinate efforts and my office has been relaying reports from concerned individuals in a bid to keep information as up to date as possible.

Inevitably, once we are through the worst, there will be lessons to be learned and I will be playing my part in relaying my constituents’ assessment of where systems worked and where they failed.

At this time of year, it was good to be reminded that Wiltshire Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter Campaign is still going strong and is making awards to vulnerable people to help them keep safe and warm.

Grants will be given right through to March and more support is always needed to ensure that help reaches as many people as possible. Please visit wscf.org.uk for more information.