For me it has meant a flurry of policy announcements, debates and meetings with key people before everyone vanishes for the summer.

Last Friday, for example, we had a day-long meeting with all of the Treasury ministers and top officials to take stock and plan for the next few months. It was good to get a bit of time to focus on our top priorities as a team.

Meanwhile, nearer to home, the MPs and chief executives from across what we are now calling Pennine Lancashire were meeting to agree our shared economic priorities. I feel there are circumstances where we can achieve more by coming together to argue with a stronger voice and I am encouraged by the willingness of neighbouring boroughs to support our priorities such as better railway links to Manchester and the regeneration of the Weavers' Triangle.

On Monday, in London, we launched a new initiative to help people make the most of the money they have. It has long been the case that people of all incomes tend to put off important decisions that they should be making about their finances, whether it's to ensure they have an adequate pension, paying for their families' needs or saving for a house deposit. One of the problems is the lack of trusted advice in the marketplace and confusion about where people should go to understand which products in the market are right for them.

As part of this we announced a new pilot programme that will start in January across the whole of the north of England, including Burnley, to provide free impartial advice on all aspects of financial management and planning for the population as a whole.

The idea is a kind of NHS Direct for money – somewhere people can go for all kinds of inquiries and advice. There is already a skeleton service up and running on the internet at www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk, which includes an easy financial healthcheck and links to other sources of free advice, so check that out if you feel there is more you could be doing to ensure you are making the most of your money. If you don't have access to the internet, you can of course contact my office using the numbers below and we can provide you with the information.

In the same vein, in Parliament on Tuesday, I launched something called the Money Advice Trust information hub which is a web-based resource to help people like debt advisors access a wide range of help and support for people having difficulties with their money.

With the British economy being affected, like all other countries, by some adverse forces from across the globe at the moment it is important the vast amount of support for individuals and households who are worrying about their money is made available to best effect.

Yesterday, I was on the floor of the House of Commons for Treasury questions where we are being put through our paces as always by MPs of all parties.

This weekend I'll be holding surgeries in Burnley and Padiham as well as holding a number of important meetings, one of which will be with the new chief executive of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust. This is a good opportunity to express the hopes and fears of my constituents about the type of local health service they want to see and I can assure you I will be representing the views of my constituents very clearly!