The extent of the financial crisis left by the previous Government has become clearer over the past few weeks and we have had to take difficult decisions to get our country back on track.

This month we have been busy in Parliament discussing the Chancellor’s Emergency Budget, with several lively debates, some into the small hours of the morning!

We have also announced the difficult decision to stop many of the projects within the Building Schools for the Future Programme which has impacted Chiswick Community School, Hounslow Manor School and Oaklands School.  I know how disappointed many of you are who have children at these schools and I too am disappointed that we are not able to continue at this point with the capital investments planned.

The BSF Programme was too bureaucratic, costly and was not delivering good value for money for the taxpayer.  It was a difficult decision to stop this but we need to review this expenditure and find a better way forward.  I am a real believer in the benefits of good quality education for all and I assure you that I will work with the schools in our constituency to understand what they need to deliver excellent education and fight for these needs where I can.

David Cameron spoke this week about the Big Society and how we can change our mindset from one that expects the State to deliver to one where we all take responsibility for our well-being and work together to make things happen.

As I continue to meet more and more local residents, voluntary groups and organisations locally, I am confident that the spirit of the Big Society is alive and well here and would encourage you all to think of ways to get involved in your local community. Please do get in touch if you are involved in any projects or organisations that demonstrate the Big Society at work as I would really like to hear success stories from you, of great work that is being done locally.

My diary has been full as ever this month. As well as the debates on the Budget in the House, I have also started my role as member of the Home Affairs Select Committee and on both the Treasury and Education working groups.  I have also been meeting many different organisations including Chiswick Community School, Hounslow Manor School, Chiswick Community Health Centre, NHS Hounslow, Fullers, Whizzkids, Riana Development and was delighted to launch the Hounslow Peace Bus, a Muslim initiative to promote freedom and peace.

My advice surgeries continue to be very busy in Hounslow, Brentford, Chiswick and Isleworth.  If you have an issue that you think I may be able to help with, don’t hesitate to contact my office via email at mary.macleod.mp@parliament.uk or call 020 7219 7023 and my team will be happy to book an appointment for you to see me.

I hope you enjoy the rest of the summer and look forward to meeting you while I am out and about across the constituency.