THE Government has been extremely active on the policy front this week.

One of the big announcements regarded post-18 education, as the Prime Minister launched a major review of higher education and funding, setting out her vision for an education system that serves the need of every child, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Already, thanks to our reforms since 2010, disadvantaged 18-year-olds are 50 per cent more likely to enter full-time higher education in 2017 than they were in 2009.

The Prime Minister was also clear that she wants to create a system flexible enough to ensure that everyone gets the education that suits them.

I have been working locally to try and change the outdated attitude that favours academic over technical qualifications, and have taken on two local apprentices, one of whom now works for me full-time, proving that academic qualifications are not the only way to a successful career.

Ahead of an agriculture Command Paper to consult on future agriculture policy after we leave the EU, Environment Secretary Michael Gove made an exciting speech this week at the National Farmers Union, in which he set out his vision for the future of farming in the UK.

I know that farming and agriculture are very important to our local economy and communities, and I was glad that he pledged a comprehensive review of farm inspections in order to cut the red tape faced by farmers, something which I know affects a number of local farmers.

He also said that after Brexit he will phase out payments based on how much land a farmer owns, and instead look at spending farm subsidies on public goods, including billions of pounds to be spent on improving rural broadband and 4G mobile phone coverage, an issue which I know is close to the hearts of many in the constituency.

The Government has also launched a consultation on strengthening consumer redress in the housing market. I know from constituents who have purchased new-build homes in Tidworth that housing developers can show shocking a lack of care, and whilst I have raised this in the strongest terms directly with the management, I know that people struggle to take these valid complaints forward.

I am therefore glad that the consultation will explore options for clarifying and strengthening the redress system in the housing market, including the sensible option of a single housing Ombudsman. The consultation is open until April 16, 2018, and you can participate here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Housingredress