Today is the start of my third week in the Department for Communities and Local Government, and I have to admit the learning curve is pretty steep.

Highlights have been being able to speak from the Dispatch Box at oral questions last week, as well as the Local Government debate on Wednesday.

I have also been busy taking through the final stages of the Planning and Energy Bill which gives large powers to local authorities to ensure new buildings are energy efficient.

If you want more information about my work as a Minister you can visit www.communities.gov.uk

Over the weekend I held my last surgery at Tooting Library before it is refurbished. Local ward councillors, local residents and myself have been campaigning to bring Tooting Library into the 21st century for the last few years.

Although it is extremely exciting that the refurbishment works will soon begin, the downside is that I will not be able to hold my surgeries there for the next year.

My surgeries will continue as normal though. Visit the surgeries page here for more info

Yesterday I joined Councillor Billi Randall and local Labour Party activists walking the streets in and around Bedford Hill talking to local residents about issues that are important to them. The main issues appear to be poor street cleaning, dogs mess on the pavements and insufficient bins along Bedford Hill. I shall raise these issues with Wandsworth Council, who are responsible for this area.