Growth Revised Up The last few weeks have seen a stream of positive economic news, the largest growth in manufacturing since 1989, positive figures in the service sector and this week an upgrade in the IMF's growth forecast from 0.9% this year to 1.4%. These figures confirm that the UK economy is turning a corner, but despite this we can't take the recovery for granted. That's why I fully support the Government's commitment to its plan to balance the books, and as announced by the Chancellor at Party Conference to run a surplus. It's vital that we make sure we fix the roof when the sun is shining, unlike the last government But as the Prime Minister has said, finishing the job is about more than clearing up the mess we were left by Labour. It means building something better in its place. In place of the casino economy, one where people who work hard can actually get on. In place of the welfare society, one where no individual is written off. In place of the broken education system, one that gives every child the chance to rise up and succeed. That's what we're doing every day in Government. Controlling Immigration This week has also seen the publication of a new immigration bill. Once passed, this bill will stop migrants using public services to which they are not entitled and require temporary migrants to make a financial contribution towards the NHS. It will reduce the number of appeals that can be lodged, will allow foreign criminals to be deported first, before their appeal is heard, and make it easier to deport people who should not be here. Illegal immigrants will also no longer be able to open a bank account or get a driving licence. Since 2010, we have successfully cut net immigration to Britain by a third. Hardworking people expect and deserve an immigration system that is fair to British citizens and legitimate migrants and tough on those who abuse the system and flout the law. But at the same time we will continue to welcome the brightest and best migrants who want to contribute, and to ensure that our doors are open to tourists and business people who want to spend their money and invest here in the UK. That's why I think it's great news that we'll be simplifying the visa regime for Chinese visitors A New Generation of Home Owners Too many people are finding it impossible to buy their own home. Many of these are people, who can afford the monthly mortgage payments, haven’t got rich parents and so can’t pay the 20% deposit that lenders require up front. In an area like Stratford, where average house prices are far above the national average, this is a real issue and there is a need for Government to act. Buying your first home is about far more than four walls to sleep at night. It’s somewhere to put down roots and raise a family. It’s an investment for the future. Above all, it’s a sign that everything you’ve put in has been worth it. Help to Buy Equity Loans have already helped over 15,000 people buy a new home, but there's more we can do which is why we've launched the second phase of Help to Buy. This will allow thousands of people to get a foot on the housing ladder by applying for the new Help to Buy mortgage guarantee. If you’ve got 5 per cent of the cost of a house for a mortgage deposit, we’re providing a guarantee to the banks to help you get the rest. I know that the scheme has its critics, but I do believe that moves such as Help to Buy will also encourage housebuilding, ensuring we create a sustainable and stable housing market. Put simply if potential buyers can't buy, builders won't build - so this is an important part of unlocking the market and bringing forward existing sites with planning permission as well as ensuring we have a good supply of new houses in proper sustainable locations in the future. Stratford Music Festival A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to attend the launch of the Stratford Music Festival which is taking place right now (it ends on the 20th of October). There is a fantastic line up taking part so do visit their website at http://www.stratfordmusicfestival.com for more details. Supporting our Village Schools As many people will have heard me say before, we are extremely lucky in Warwickshire to have excellent schools. I try to visit a school whenever I can and those visits are always the highlight of my time in the constituency. Three weeks ago I was invited to visit Loxley School, a small primary in the village of Loxley and had a wonderful tour (which also involved partaking in a french lesson with the reception class) and a fantastic Q&A session with the entire school where I found as always that the most insightful questions, always come from the youngest children! It was great to see one of our small village schools thriving and I'm looking forward to welcoming the pupils to parliament when they visit next year In the Media In the last few weeks you may have caught me on: • Channel 4 News on the engagement of young people and ethnic minorities with political parties (Watch it here) http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid601325122001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAAEabvr4~,Wtd2HT-p_Vh4qBcIZDrvZlvNCU8nxccG&bctid=2714814780001 • BBC Coventry and Warwickshire on my support for Theresa Bateman's campaign to have the speed limit lowered on the road where her son was killed. • Newsnight on the spare room subsidy