What responsibilities does an MP have?

As a Member of Parliament, my primary responsibility is representing the interests of the wonderful people of Rutland, Stamford and the South Kesteven and Harborough villages.

In Parliament, I do this by debating, scrutinising and voting on proposed legislation to ensure it will benefit residents and the British people.

As an MP, I can also help resolve personal issues that residents may face.

 

What kind of issues can you help me with as an MP?

My job allows me to assist residents with all matters for which Parliament or central government is responsible, such as:

As a member of Parliament, I am unable to assist with issues that fall outside of my remit, specifically those that are quasi-judicial such as planning.

An MP is unable to settle private disputes with neighbours or employers, nor can he help in family arguments. Nor can an MP interfere with decisions made in court or offer legal advice.

Please note, that in some cases, legal proceedings will be the most appropriate way to take a case forward. As an MP, I am not in a position to provide legal assistance.  I will, however, try to support you as far as I can and if I can't help, I will provide a full explanation as to why I cannot take your case forward.

 

How can you help me with an issue as an MP?

When residents come to me with an issue, I will often seek to assist them through the following:

  • Writing a letter to the relevant department or official.
  • Writing a letter to the Minister involved.
  • Attempt to ascertain the reason behind decisions.
  • Appeal on behalf of an individual or community.
  • Speaking to relevant authorities on their behalf.

I have found that many problems (but not all) can be solved in this way. However, in some instances Ministers may not be able to give the answer that residents want to hear. In this case, I will always seek to clarify the situation with residents and confirm that the correct procedure was used when making any decision.

If residents feel there has been an unnecessary delay or maladministration causing their issue, I may be able to take their case to the Parliamentary Ombudsman, which can only be approached through Members of Parliament.

 

If you can’t assist me with an issue, who can?

For many matters, (for example, if it is connected with local planning, the day to day running of schools, refuse collection, housing repairs, anti-social behaviour or public lavatories) the appropriate first step is to contact your local councillor. Find out who your local councillor is HERE

Services in Rutland are run by Rutland County Council who can be contacted HERE

Services in Stamford and the South Kesteven villages are divided between by Lincolnshire County Council who can be contacted HERE and South Kesteven District Council who can be contacted HERE

Services in Harborough are divided between Leicestershire County Council who can be contacted HERE and Harborough District Council who can be contacted HERE

The County Council manages services including schools, social services, strategic planning matters, highways, refuse and waste disposal sites, museums and libraries. The District Council manages services including town planning, environmental health, housing, benefits, council tax collection, refuse collection and leisure facilities.

If you are unsure who to go to or you have a problem of a more general nature, then your nearest Citizens' Advice Bureau will be able to guide you. Find your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau HERE

 

I don’t live in Rutland and Stamford, can I still write to you?

If you do not live in the Rutland and Stamford constituency, you are still welcome to write to me, but due to parliamentary protocol I am unable to act on your behalf, and will therefore pass your concerns on to the relevant Member of Parliament.

Check if I'm your Member of Parliament HERE