It is difficult to describe the work of an MP because no two MPs choose to do their job in exactly the same way. MPs must divide their time between the area they represent and the House of Commons. In Scarborough and Whitby I am here to help everyone - it doesn't matter how they voted in the General Election.
Of course as an MP I have to take part in the work that goes on at Parliament and this is a very important aspect of my work. The working hours of the House of Commons are very long. The day starts early in the morning and I may not finish until midnight of later.
Government Departments and Ministers
Constituents often contact me with their problems because they do not know who else can help them. I do everything I can to help them and sometimes I may refer them to a specialist organisation such as the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Sometimes I take up issues brought to my attention with Government Departments. When a problem involves central government, there are a number of options open to try and resolve the matter, sometimes a letter to the relevant department or official will often provide a solution. If this approach is not successful a letter to the Minister involved may be appropriate.
Ombudsman
If there has been maladministration, I may be able to take your case to the Ombudsman (Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration). He/she is sometimes able to solve such cases where there has been administrative incompetence. The Parliamentary Ombudsman can only be approached via your MP. The Health Service Commissioner can provide similar help where the problems involving the NHS. There is also a Commissioner for Local Administration (Local Government Ombudsman) who deals with possible maladministration in local government maters. Both may be contacted directly.
Raising matters in the house
An MP can also raise an issue in parliament by various means, this can be by asking an oral question to a minister at question time one afternoon. An MP can also raise the matter in the half-hour adjournment debate, which is usually the last business of the day, although again there will be competition amongst MPs for the right to raise matters on adjournment. Another way to draw attention to a matter by what is called an Early Day Motion. Although EDM's are not usually debated, MP's will have placed on record their opinion on a subject and is able to gauge the support of their fellow MP's.
If an MP becomes aware that your problem is a common one then they may try to gain the opportunity to introduce a Private Member's Bill. Only on a very few occasions such measures are successful but once again publicity is drawn to the matter and a Minister may be persuaded to make changes in the future.
Lobbying
If you and other people feel strongly about a certain issue, you may decide to organise a petition to the House of Commons. People can also come to the House of Commons to talk to their MP on a particular subject - this is called lobbying.
In addition to constituents' problems and concerns I receive many letters from organisations and groups who might be supporting a particular cause. These groups could be asking me to influence the government to change policies on things such as the National Health Service; public transport and many other issues people feel strongly about.
