he big event for the spring was of course the budget, which Tjudging from the reports in the press has been well received. Personally I was delighted that it had much for savers, not only increasing the tax allowance to £10,500, but increasing the amount that can be saved in ISAs to a whopping £15,000 and also the support it gave pensioners, both by introducing a new high interest bond at above market rates aimed specifically at people over 65 and
finally removing the need to get an annuity on retirement.
There really was something for everybody in the budget and full details can be found on my website marklancastermp .org/news.
Delivering Tax-Free Childcare
A positive message from government regarding tax-free childcare has been welcomed by local working parents. Statistics show that nationally this will be available for up to 1.9 million families from autumn 2015. With an increased cap from £6,000 to £10,000 per year this will be worth up to £2,000 per child each year and will save a typical working family with two children under 12 up to £4,000 a year.
The support that government is offering will make a tremendous difference to hard working families and childcare providers , giving them the opportunity to make decisions and plan for the future.
Flipping Fantastic!
Being a resident of Olney, I can say that there is no other place I would rather be . The Pancake race is an iconic event in the town's calendar and this year I was able to celebrate attending my 10th race. I have to say it was flipping fantastic!
The crisp early morning saw many spectators line the streets for the youngster's races. It is always a tense moment waiting to start the race and any sleight of hand could mean I ring the bell prematurely and be left on the start line as a solitary and not to mention, an unpopular figure!
The Olney tradition dates back over 500 years and is safely upheld by mothers handing down the tradition to their daughters.
The only condition to compete in the ladies race, other than to brandish a frying pan and a good pair of running shoes , is that you are female and have lived in the town for a minimum of six months, (though of course I do recall this being broken a few years ago when a certain male Blue Peter presenter sneaked in), alas not being able to fit all of the criteria, I was glad to be able to play my part.
BBC Politics Show
An invitation to the BBC studios in Cambridge to discuss a number of topical issues for the Sunday Politics Show gave me a great platform to be able to speak on behalf of my constituents and the government. If you would like to see the interview, then please visit my website marklancastermp.org / news.
Dementia Forum
I was overwhelmed and delighted to see the sheer number of organisations attending our first dementia forum.
The initial suggestion came from a constituency visit to the Westbury Grange Memory Cate. As a result I have been encouraged by the engagement of those providing dementia care in Milton Keynes.
It became apparent that a directory of people and services would be a beneficial starting point for all concerned to create strong communication links.
Discussions amongst the group also identified a number of topics that will be raised at the next quarterly forum. I am looking forward to seeing the galvanisation of the services available and to see strong working partnerships develop for those who manage and deliver such an essential service.
Expansion For Parcelforce
Donning our orange high visibility jackets, my fellow MP for Milton Keynes South, lain Stewart and I officially opened the Parcelforce Worldwide depot in Michigan Drive.
The group recognised that Milton Keynes is the place to do business and has already created 60 new jobs and, it is expected that up to around 100 new jobs will follow over the next three years .
As well as being a UK and international parcel delivery service , Parcelforce Worldwide is a local business and employer. I'm pleased that businesses and individuals in Milton Keynes will greatly benefit from this global organisation.
Out and About
with Mark Lancaster MP
18 Phonebox Magazine