In his role as MP, Stephen can help you with matters for which Parliament or central government is responsible, such as:
• HM Revenue & Customs (e.g. tax, child benefit and tax credits)
• Department for Work and Pensions (e.g. benefits, pensions and National Insurance)
• Home Office (e.g. immigration)
If your problem is with services provided by Pembrokeshire County Council, then one of your local councillors should be of more direct help than a Member of Parliament. Your local library should be able to provide you with your councillor's name and contact information.
For matters which are the responsibility of the National Assembly of Wales (like Health, Education and Social Services), the appropriate first step is to contact your local Assembly Member.
Stephen is unable to settle private disputes with neighbours or employers, nor can he help in family arguments or in disputes over goods bought from private companies. He cannot interfere with decisions made by the courts.
If you are unsure of the best person to contact about your problem then your nearest Citizens' Advice Bureau will be able to guide you. Haverfordwest CAB can be reached by calling 0844 4772020.
How does my MP deal with my problem?
Where your problem does require that you contact your MP, there are a number of methods available to try to resolve the matter:
• A letter from Stephen to the relevant department or official will often provide a solution;
• Stephen may decide to take matters a stage further by writing to the Minister involved;
• Stephen may, on occasions, make an appointment to see the Minister personally about the matter.
Many problems (but not all) can be solved in this way. The Minister may not be able to give the answer you want to hear but if the decision has been made in the correct way there may be little that he can do.
If you feel there has been unnecessary delay or maladministration Stephen may be able to take your case to the Parliamentary Ombudsman. The Ombudsman can only be approached through Stephen; you cannot approach that office directly. The Ombudsman has a website which provides information about making a complaint: www.ombudsman.org.uk
As a member of the Government Stephen cannot ask Parliamentary Questions or sign Early Day Motions (EDMs) in the same way as a backbencher would. However, he is able to raise concerns and queries with the relevant Minister or Government department directly.