The week in Westminster has been dominated by a budget focused on continuing the crucial task of working to eliminate the deficit.

We were elected on a mandate to reduce the country’s welfare bill and to do it in a way that protects the most vulnerable and actively incentivises work for those for whom self-reliance is an option.

In parallel, continuing to encourage employers to pay a living wage and to stimulate productivity in the economy is a vital part of the picture. It is only by having a vibrant, resilient economy that we can enjoy sustained growth and increase the government’s spending power to the benefit of everyone.

Deregulation in industry and simplification of the welfare state go hand in hand. A great many constituents have been in touch with me over the last week, fearful that their tax credits will be among the benefits coming under scrutiny.

These low to middle earners in full-time employment receive modest tax credits that are unquestionably a valuable part of their household income. However, they also pay significant sums to the government in income tax.

The Prime Minister has repeatedly said that we should not be paying benefits simply to take them away again in income tax.

Increasing the personal allowance is infinitely more constructive than increasing benefits. Otherwise we are paying hefty administration costs that could be spent on other services simply to give people back their own money – the very essence of the unnecessary public service duplication that we have pledged to tackle.

Last week, I was pleased to take part in a lively Q&A session with carers and my thanks go to Dr Helena McKeown for arranging such a well-attended event.

In practical terms, it was good to hear of overdue steps to improve the way that health and social care services work together locally and to be able to explain some of the changes set out in the Care Act, giving carers the right to the same legal protections enjoyed by the people they care for.

Given the importance of their role in society, I believe we must work towards a situation where carers are paid more for the vital work they do.