NO one can fail to be concerned by the turbulence in global financial markets caused by doubts over the health of the Chinese economy.

Though not considered as bad as the contagion following the 2008 banking crisis, this is not a remote problem but a developing situation that impacts (in the short term at least) directly on the value of pensions and investments.

Of course, there is little any individual can do to steer global economics.

However, these events underscore why it is imperative that the Government remains committed to moving towards a situation where the country lives within its means and builds on the underlying strengths and resilience of the economy.

What constituents tell me they value most is the timely delivery of pensions and benefits and, to that end, I am busy preparing for the upcoming enquiries the Work and Pensions Select Committee will be undertaking.

The first of those will be scrutinising the quality and availability of advice given by Pensions Wise, the Government’s guidance service established after the Budget 2014 allowed people to have greater control over their retirement incomes.

This was a welcome and long overdue change, but it also brings risks with it. Pensions can be notoriously difficult to unpick without specialist advice and it is important that any decisions are made on the basis of sound advice.

Over the weekend, I was pleased to be able to drop in at the New Inn, Amesbury, to offer my support to the campaigners who are seeking to secure their pub’s future through designating it an asset of community value.

This week’s engagements include visits to SP2 and to the Mencap games, as well as another advice surgery.