They say a week’s a long time in politics, and since my last column we’ve seen some monumental global, national and local events – not least Donald Trump's presidential win, which has created a ripple in geopolitics.

We also saw an impressive Labour Budget, the first in 14 years, delivered by Rachel Reeves, the first ever female Chancellor.

As Rachel made her way to the floor and set out Labour’s plan for our country's future, the atmosphere in the Chamber was palpable.

We finally saw a solid plan laid out for economic growth and certainty, a far cry away from failed austerity measures under more than a decade of Conservative rule, including the Liberal Democrat coalition.

As a local councillor for fourteen years, and as the Leader of Southampton City Council, I saw first-hand the detrimental impact austerity has had on our local communities, leaving public services on their knees.

This is why I was so pleased there has been a recognition that local families and the services we all rely on in Southampton, are worth investing in.

The thousands of individuals and families I spoke to during the summer and since, would universally tell me how imperative it is that we invest in our NHS in particular, but also our schools, police and more. Labour’s Budget did just that.

We also raised the Minimum and National Living Wages, handing a well-deserved pay rise to nearly 6,000 people across Southampton, many of whom told me that without this they were having to rely on foodbanks, because their wage no longer covers the basics.

We’ve also given an uplift to the carers allowance, incredible individuals who have been overlooked for far too long, they deserve this recognition and additional support.

The Labour government inherited a difficult financial outlook, but we are now working hard to put that right for the long term.

Away from Westminster, I’m continuing to support and speak out for residents in Southampton. Right now, I'm fighting to save the Lloyd’s bank branch on Shirley High Street from closure. Thank you to the hundreds of people who have already been in contact with me on. We know how vital face to face banking is and how difficult it will be for people, if another bank closed on our high street.

This is particularly the case for those with specific disabilities, the digitally excluded, and older people. I believe face to face banking is worth fighting for, it’s why I raised it recently in Parliament, and why I now have a petition to save the Shirley Lloyds branch. If you’re interested in joining the campaign, please sign the petition on my website at www.satvirkaur.info.

I am also continuing to do all I can to end homelessness. I was incredibly moved when attending a service to remember the many lives lost through homelessness across Southampton this past year, including a 22-year-old care leaver.

I went on to see first-hand the amazing work charities like the Society of St James do within our city. Housing and homelessness are a top priority of mine.

There is no reason for homelessness to exist in a modern society. I welcome and support measures to help with this and will keep pushing for more legislation in this area.

Other recent activities include working with local children and schools for UK Parliament Week (this week), it’s an annual event that allows everyone the chance to learn all about the home of our democracy.

As someone born and bred in Southampton, I want local children, of all ages and backgrounds to believe that the sky is the limit, and if I can do it, so can they! I’ve enjoyed many school visits so far, and looking forward to many more. Nothing compares to taking powerful, thought-provoking, and sometimes very direct questions from a classroom in Southampton!

I run regular coffee mornings across the constituency, as well as my weekly surgery, but please do get in touch if you want to discuss anything, or even just to say hello. Contact me on: satvir.kaur.mp@parliament or call 02382 546 367.