I usually hold four advice surgeries each month throughout my constituency. I will not be holding any surgeries during August, but my Westminster office is open as normal throughout the Parliamentary recess and is more than happy to assist with any cases.

Please note that Monday drop-in surgeries (no appointment needed) now start at 9.30am.

My advice surgeries for July 2008 are:

Saturday 5th July:           11:15am Tooting Library

Saturday 18th July:          11:15am Tooting Library

Monday 7th July :             9.30am Earlsfield Library

Monday 21st July:          9.30am Balham Community Centre

Throughout the year, my surgery calendar is normally as follows:

First and Third Saturday of the month: Tooting Library, Mitcham Road, SW17 9PD, 11:15am-12:15pm (by appointment only). Click here for a map.

Monday after the first Saturday of the month: Earlsfield Library, Magdalen Road, SW18 3NY, 09.30am-10.30am (Drop-in, no appointment needed). Click here for a map.

Monday after the third Saturday of the month: Balham Community Centre, 91 Bedford Hill, SW12 9HE, 09.30am-10.30am (Drop-in, no appointment needed). Click here for a map.

Please call 020 7219 6316 to book an appointment at the Tooting Library surgeries or for any updates on existing cases.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP YOU?

Many people think that their MP is there to solve all their problems for them: this is not the case. MPs are there to help only with those matters for which Parliament or central government is responsible. Problems often arise with work carried out by central government departments and I will be able to help you with such areas as:

• Tax problems involving HM Revenue & Customs (but not council tax, which is paid to your local authority)

• Problems dealt with by the Department of Health such as hospitals and the NHS (but not problems with social services department of your local authority)

• Problems dealt with by the Department for Work and Pensions such as benefits, pensions and National Insurance

• Problems dealt with by the Home Office such as immigration

• Matters such as school closures and grants which are dealt with by the Department for Education & Skills (but not day to day problems involving schools which are run by their governors and local education authority)

I cannot intervene in private disputes between neighbours, with an employer, with family matters or with companies who have sold you faulty goods. I am also unable to interfere with decisions made by courts.

If you feel that your problem really concerns the council rather than central government, then you should contact your local council or elected councillor. Your local library or the Town Hall will be able to provide you with your councillor’s name and contact information. If your problem is of a more general nature or you are uncertain where to go for advice, then your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau will be able to guide you.  

IMPORTANT: For more information please download and read this leaflet 'You and Your MP'.

MPs can only help people who reside within their constituency. To check that you are in my constituency, visit the Constituency Locata website.