I have continued to be busy throughout February helping constituents resolve problems they have experienced with Local Authority and Government services. Below are several examples.
1. I was contacted by a constituent who had been the victim of extreme anti-social behaviour from their neighbours for the past 7 years. Complaints had been raised with the Police which resulted in intimidation directed towards my constituents. They wanted to move to another property. I arranged for the Tenancy Enforcement Manager to carry out a thorough investigation. The outcome was a review of their banding to reflect the nuisance they were suffering, which helped them when bidding for properties. After contacting me, they were re-housed in their preferred area. Thanking me, my constituent stated: “We are being moved into a new-build bungalow in the new year. This would not have been possible if they had not been awarded a priority banding following Emma’s enquiry”.
2. I was contacted by a constituent regarding payment of £400 credit owed by a utility company after ending a contract with the company. Within a few days following my enquiry, he received a cheque for the sum of £425.10. My constituent wrote: “I would like to offer my sincere thanks for your help… The good news is that I have finally received a cheque from them today .. I am just thankful that after the long wait, it has arrived. Once again, thank you for your time and effort.”
3. I was contacted by a constituent regarding her Employment Support Allowance (ESA) appeal. My constituent’s appeal was upheld and she was informed that a backdated payment would be made. This was not done. My constituent was concerned that she had not received the payment of £1,7000 plus two week’s cold weather payments. After getting paid by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), she phoned to thank me for my intervention on her behalf.
4. A constituent of mine had applied to take early retirement, as the development of his long term condition meant he was no longer able to carry out the demands of his job. Unfortunately his application was refused, even though it was supported by his GP and consultant. I raised this case with the Work and Pensions Minister and with the company who carried out my constituent’s assessment, Atos. My constituent was subsequently told that, on appeal, the decision had been reversed and that he would receive an early pension backdated to the date of his original application.
If you have a case you think I can help with, please contact my office on 0191 427 1240 or at emma.lewell-buck.mp@parliament.uk. Alternatively you can come to one of my constituency surgeries.