IN addition to Monday’s budget, my role as a Treasury minister has necessitated my involvement in the subsequent budget debate, which traditionally runs for several days.

I am pleased that the Chancellor was able to announce a whole raft of measures that Salisbury constituents regularly ask for – not least confirming over £20.5 billion extra for the NHS by 2023-24 and, specifically, £2 billion more for mental health.

Helping people get quicker access to mental health support through every major A&E, dedicated teams in schools, round the clock phone lines and community crisis cafes not only delivers on the pledge to give parity of esteem to the treatment of mental health but also relieves pressure on other frontline services.

I was personally particularly proud to hear the announcement of access to zero-interest loans to release the millions of people trapped in a cycle of problem debt caused by borrowing from high-cost lenders, which I hope will help many people regain control of their finances.

This has been one of my top ministerial priorities and I have been working flat out on it in recent months, speaking to individuals, members of the industry and community credit organisations across the country.

Freezing fuel duty for the ninth consecutive year and delivering a package of measures to help high street retailers were also announcements that featured heavily in the wish lists of my correspondents over the past few weeks.

I am sure that the government’s plans to plant millions more trees and ensure we are leaving the environment in a better state for the next generation will be welcomed by the many people who regularly write to me urging greater protections for our woodlands and indigenous tree species.

It has been an unusual week but, come Friday, I will be back in the constituency as normal, kicking off early with a budget breakfast to help Salisbury’s businesses break down what Monday’s announcements mean for them.

I also look forward to visiting Wiltshire College, opening a new nursery, discussing the Maltings redevelopment and talking NHS reform.

At the weekend, my plans include attending a charity coffee morning, popping into Middle Woodford village hall and visiting a distinguished constituent in Wilton.