LAST weekend I held my first supermarket surgery at ASDA in Melksham. I met dozens of local people who were able to raise their concerns and issues or just came to say hello. I would like to take this opportunity to thank ASDA for their hospitality.

I plan to do more open surgeries in supermarkets, pubs and public buildings and will publish the dates and times in my weekly articles and on my website.

I will continue with office-based advice surgeries as I want to ensure that I am accessible to everyone.

On Tuesday we debated the Government’s Finance Bill (the Budget). It is more important than ever that, in light of recent warning signs about the global economy, we keep the UK’s economic recovery strong. That is the only way to secure a better future for our country and our community here in Wiltshire.

The scale of the challenge should not be underestimated. Improvements in tax revenues meant that the deficit dropped to its lowest level in seven years this June. We were the fastest growing economy in the G7 in 2014 and it looks like we will repeat that in 2015. All welcome news, but the UK deficit still remains at over £2billion per week – less than half it was in 2010 but still a staggering amount of money. There is still so much more to be done.

I have always believed that we need to be a lower tax, lower welfare society and I think that the Finance Bill will provide a strong and solid foundation to secure a better future both for local residents and for our country as a whole. It is a way of helping high streets like ours as people get to keep more of their money and can choose to spend it locally.

During the summer recess I am planning a number of local events, to promote good causes and help raise important local issues. I will also be meeting campaigners in Bradford on Avon to discuss climate issues. I will be holding advice surgeries in our villages and visit as many businesses and charities as I can. These visits will enable me to learn more about what I, and the Government, can do to support local residents and businesses.

I hope to open my constituency office in the next few weeks. This will make it easier for residents to come for advice or support. As always, if you would like to contact me please feel free to do so. My (temporary) office number is (01249) 477095 or email michelle.donelan.mp@parliament.uk