2013 has been a challenging but great year for Chiswick, Brentford, Isleworth, Osterley and Hounslow. The economy has continued to improve and in our local area, unemployment is down by over 20% and youth unemployment down by over 25% since I was elected. Crime levels have also fallen by 15.7% in the past year, the highest level of any London Borough, putting our area well on track to meet the 20% reduction in crime target set by Mayor Boris Johnson. Our schools also continue to perform above the national average thanks to the efforts of our teachers and the hard work of our pupils.

The entrepreneurial spirit is still flourishing and in my role as the Prime Minister’s Small Business Ambassador for London, I have enjoyed meeting many fantastic small businesses across the capital. In our Borough, there has never been a better time for small businesses. Almost 500 new businesses have started up in 2013 and 7,000 business properties in the Borough of Hounslow will benefit from the business rate discount announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement. In the coming year, small businesses can look forward to the 2% cap on business rates as well as the announcement that 30 minute free parking will be coming to all Pay and Display bays on shopping streets in the Borough.

This year we lost a great man in Nelson Mandela and it is an apt time to draw inspiration from his life. Nelson Mandela said: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”  I believe we can all make a difference to the lives of others. Small acts of kindness have a ripple effect around our community and beyond. A simple thank you or taking the time to call in on an elderly neighbour, especially at this time of year can have a huge impact. Encouraging and recognising good performance can inspire others to try harder and go on to achieve more. Many of you already volunteer and help in the local community and I thank you for all you have done.

I would also like to thank those who have written to or emailed me this year. Since becoming your MP in 2010, I have helped over 15,000 residents who have contacted me for assistance. I look forward to continuing to work for you in the constituency and representing you in Parliament in the year ahead. My priorities for 2014 are to focus on building growth and prosperity, fight further expansion at Heathrow Airport, stand up for local services, encourage aspiration and continue to strengthen our community.

I look forward to the year ahead and wish you, your families and all our local businesses a Happy Christmas and a healthy, successful New Year.