©Copyright 2009 Phil Woolas. All Rights Reserved.
Labour Member of Parliament for
Oldham East and Saddleworth
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Where your problem does involve central government, I have a number of methods available to try to resolve the matter.
A letter from me to the relevant department or official will often provide a solution.
If not, I may decide to take matters a stage further by writing to the Minister involved, or even making an appointment to see the Minister personally.
Many constituents problems can be solved in this way but not all problems, of course, have an easy solution. The Minister may not be able to give the answer that you wanted to hear but if the decision has been made in the right way, there may be little that can be done.
If, on the other hand, there has been unnecessary delay, or if some essential procedure has been missed out, i.e. if there has been maladministration, I may be able to take your case to the Ombudsman (Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration).
I am sometimes able to resolve such cases where there has been administrative incompetence. The Ombudsman can only be approached via an MP you cannot approach him directly.
The Health Service Commissioner can provide similar help where the problem involves the NHS.
There is also a Commissioner for Local Administration (Local Ombudsman) who deals with possible maladministration in local government matters. He should be approached through your local councillor.
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