One of the key responsibilities of a Member of Parliament is to bring the concerns of constituents to the attention of relevant Government Ministers. Sometimes these concerns are about very personal and challenging matters; sometimes they are issues raised through campaign groups wanting to hear the views of the Government on issues as varied as ADHD assessments, Winter Fuel Allowance and changes to inheritance tax for farmers.
Sadly, responses to issues I have raised on behalf of my constituents since last July’s General Election are not always arriving in a timely fashion. Currently some Government Departments, most notably HM Treasury and the Department for Business and International Trade, are taking three months or more to reply to my inquiries on behalf of constituents. It’s difficult to know what to say to people who have genuine concerns about matters which directly affect them, when the Ministers and their correspondence teams take so long to send a reply.
This week I have written to the Health Minister and NHS England about proposed changes to the way in which those waiting for an ADHD assessment have the Right to Choose a different provider if waiting lists are too long in their area. I’ve written to the Transport Minister about Volumetric Concrete Mixers, after visiting Q Mix in Great Warley to hear how changes to the weight limits for their vehicles could affect business. And I’ve written to the Ministry of Justice about issues with SERCO tags for those on probation.
Hopefully these Ministers will respond swiftly to these inquiries on behalf of my constituents so I can make sure those who write to me know their voices are being heard by the current Government.
