Article for MyNews Magazine

Last month’s column focused on transport matters and, specifically, the changes to the Metropolitan Line. At the time of writing, the new timetable is about to come into operation which should mean more trains at peak times, albeit some will be scheduled to be stopping at all stations, while the off-peak service will be consistently a slower, all-stations service. I am keeping London Underground informed of local views on a regular basis so do let me know what you think of the new timetable.

On a separate transport matter, I recently joined ConnectPlus, the body responsible for the M25 widening, to inspect the motorway. Concerns have been raised about the state of the motorway following the widening, so I was grateful for a chance to have a good look with the people responsible.

In parts, it is undoubtedly patchy. Since the completion of the widening, more work has been done, particularly in parts where new areas meet old areas. There are still places where more work is needed and there is an issue where the old white lines, demarcating one lane from another, are starting to become more visible. Obviously, I am keen that our stretch of the motorway is well looked after and I was pleased that ConnectPlus are committed to do that.

With Christmas on the way, I called in to visit the staff at Royal Mail’s delivery office in Rectory Lane, Rickmansworth. They are just about to hit their busiest time of the year, but things have already picked up with our post men and women delivering more packages than in previous years. In part, this is a sign of the long term trend of more people doing their Christmas shopping on the internet. But the striking thing is that this is happening earlier in the year than usual. After the heavy snowfall of the last two years, are we avoiding getting caught out by ordering early? In any event, the Royal Mail staff – unlike my children – are hoping that the snow will stay away for a few more weeks.

My Ministerial duties tend to focus very heavily on issues relating to tax (not always a popular subject, but somebody has to do it!). In doing this job, two things have struck me. First, how many of us actually know how much tax we pay? Information may be there on the payslip or on P60s but how many of us look closely at these documents? My suspicion is that not many of us do. Second, the way our tax system works hasn’t changed much for decades. Information is generally paper based as is communication with Revenue & Customs for the most part.
We are looking at a few ideas in this area. Perhaps everyone could have access to an online tax account – a bit like an online bank account – but with information about your earnings and the tax you pay, including rates etc. This could be updated to make sure that the Revenue had up-to-date and accurate information. HMRC is consulting on Modernising the administration of the personal tax system this and more information can be found on the HMRC website.

I am keen to get the views of taxpayers on what information should be available and how this might work. Do have a look at the consultation and let us know what you think.

Finally, as this is my last column before Christmas, so I would just like to wish all readers a Merry Christmas.