One of the biggest benefits of the Westminster parliamentary system is the strong link it fosters between Members of Parliament and their constituents. Not only am I responsible for representing the interests of Hornsey and Friern Barnet residents, but I am also able to take on their casework; as an MP I can make representations to governmental agencies, local authorities, and other organisations on behalf of constituents. As a former caseworker myself, I pride myself on helping in any way I can, from facilitating offers of sheltered housing with the council, to chasing up visa applications with the Home Office.
Beyond housing and immigration, I can assist with a range of issues regarding public bodies and bodies that operate under statutory authority. For example, in one recent casework success, I secured my constituent £1,347.60 in PIP arrears from the DWP. In another, I stopped Thames Water from sending bailiffs to my constituent’s home. In yet another, I persuaded TfL to cancel my constituent’s wrongful £355 PCN.
Whilst it is generally best to go to your councillors first in the case of local authority matters, such as housing repairs or planning, it can be useful to get me involved when you have problems with governmental agencies, as they have a statutory duty to respond to MPs within twenty days. It is also worth noting that I cannot write to the courts due to a strict separation of powers between Parliament and the judiciary. If you are a Hornsey and Friern Barnet resident with an issue you think I can help with, please write to me at [email protected], making sure to include your postcode.