My News Magazines - August 2010

Parliament went into recess towards the end of July, slightly later than usual. We will also be back in September for the first time in a few years so the period the House is not sitting is somewhat shorter than in recent years. With a new Government with plenty of things to do, we need as much time as possible to scrutinise and pass legislation.

July was particularly busy because we took the Finance Bill through Parliament. I led for the Government on this which meant many hours in the chamber taking part in the debates (including winding up a debate at 2am in the morning).

We also launched the Office of Tax Simplification. This panel of experts will make recommendations as to how we simplify our tax system and I hope will make life easier for taxpayers. The day of the launch proved pretty long - starting at 8.30am with a meeting with the new chairman and tax director of the OTS, followed by a speech to the press (apparently covered life on BBC News and Sky News), a statement to the House of Commons, then a speech during a debate on the Finance Bill and finally doing a live interview on Newsnight at 11pm.

Of course, work doesn't stop when the House breaks up. This is my first Summer recess since becoming a Minister and there are still plenty of papers to read, meetings to hold and letters to sign. I have particular responsibility for tax matters and try to visit HMRC offices throughout the country. So far, I have been to Newcastle, Manchester and a few offices in London. The plan is also to visit Belfast later in August.

And the constituency work continues including surgeries and visits. For example, I recently attended the celebration of the revamped Age UK shop on Rickmansworth High Street. It was a great chance to see the excellent work put in there by staff and volunteers - as well as an opportunity to get rid of a few books and clothes. In much of the country, charity shops are struggling with donations but local people continue to be generous in contributing to the Ricky branch. Of course, they could always do with more!

But after the exertions of the election campaign and the demands of Ministerial life (I am not sure, but I think I have made more speeches in Parliament than any other new Minister - it certainly feels that way!), August is a chance to slow down a little bit and see more of the family - and I can't wait for our week's holiday in Cornwall. After which, I hope to be ready and refreshed for a busy Autumn ahead.