Helping you to find your way around government bureaucracy
Chris’ office is building a reputation for hard work and helping you with problems arising from the work of government departments and other public agencies. Whilst we cannot tell departments to decide a matter in your favour our staff usually can help you get a prompt response. Some of the things we may be able to help with include:

• Immigration, Visas and Passports
• The National Health Services
• Work and Pensions
• Benefits
• Tax and Treasury Services
• Environment and Food Standards
• Customs and Excise
• Employment Services
• Business and Trade
• Foreign and Consular services
• Transport Policy
• Utility Regulation
• Child Support
• Skills and training

Local councils are responsible for a number of services and your County or Borough councillor may be best placed to help you. We may however be able to help with:

• School based Education
• Social Care
• The Police, law and order
• Housing services
• Consumer Protection

Enquiries for Constituents - General Guidelines
Members of Parliament and their staff often help constituents in their dealings with departments and agencies of government. In general it is appropriate for MPs and staff to communicate with agencies on behalf of constituents to:

• Request information, start an inquiry, or ask about progress in a relevant matter (We will not initiate inquiries based upon speculation or suspicion only);
• Urge prompt consideration of a matter (subject to the merits of the case);
• Ask for a matter raised by the constituent to be resolved;
• Request reconsideration of a decision if this is permitted in law;
• Arrange for appointments.

MPs and staff may not:
• Say what is true or not about information with which they have no personal knowledge;
• Receive money or things of value in return for assistance;
• Go around agency rules or regulations nor countermand decisions;
• Exert undue or improper influence on government officials.

It is also important to note the following:

• Although constituents may provide paperwork for their inquiries, providing such documentation, does not by itself assure favourable decisions;
• MPs and staff may not assist constituents with matters that are either criminal or judicial in nature nor concerns that in any way involve past or pending court cases;
• MPs and staff may refer constituents with matters pertaining to the local council to the appropriate councillor;
• MPs and staff may not initiate inquiries on behalf of third parties without their permission; (we may ask the constituent desiring assistance to grant permission in writing);
• As a matter of protocol, MPs and staff must refer inquiries from individuals outside their constituency to the MP who represents them;
• MPs and staff must allow government agencies sufficient time to provide a thorough response to inquiries made on behalf of constituents. Depending on the nature and complexity of the matter, responses to inquiries often take one or two months.

These guidelines are general in nature. Given the varying complexity and unique aspects of inquiries, should you have questions or need further clarification, please contact the Constituency Office on (01473) 281559.