How an MP can help you

I am honoured to be the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Tynemouth constituency.

My role as an MP is to represent all the people in my constituency; not just those who voted for me.

This page contains information on what I can do for you as your MP.  For further information see the House of Commons Factsheet Members/Election Series No 1.

What can I do to help you?

MP's are there to help with those matters for which Parliament or central government is responsible. Problems sometimes arise with work carried out by central government departments and I will be able to help you with such areas as:

• Tax problems involving the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise Departments (but not such areas as the council tax which is paid to your local authority);
  
  
• Problems dealt with by the Department of Health such as hospitals and the National Health Service;
  
  
• Problems dealt with by the Department of Work and Pensions such as benefits, pensions and national insurance.
  
  
• Problems dealt with by the Home Office such as immigration.
  
  
• Matters such as school closures and grants which are dealt with by the Department for Education and Employment.

 
How I can help you

Where your problem does involve central government, I have a number of methods available to try to resolve the matter.  A letter from me to the relevant department or official will often provide a solution.  If not, I may decide to take matters a stage further by writing to the Minister involved, or meeting the Minister personally. Many constituents problems can be solved in this way but not all problems, of course, have an easy solution.

If, on the other hand, there has been unnecessary delay, or if some essential procedure has been missed out, i.e. if there has been maladministration, I may be able to take your case to the Ombudsman (Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration).

I am able to resolve such cases where there has been administrative incompetence. The Ombudsman can only be approached via an MP - you cannot approach him directly.

I cannot help you in private disputes with other individuals or with companies who have sold you faulty goods, nor, for example, to interfere with decisions made by courts - contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Trading Standards.

My responsibilities as your MP

I will do everything I can to help constituents, but I may not be able to get the desired solution to every individual problem.