How do you deal with constituency problems? Often, problems are straightforward and can be dealt with by the Clwyd South office team after your enquiry has been brought to my attention. This may involve a telephone call, an email or a letter to the relevant government department, external body, or other institution. Many enquiries are similar in nature and they can be answered quickly and effectively. In the event of an unfamiliar problem, the Clwyd South office will research your enquiry in a vigorous manner until the most appropriate information is collected and summarised for you. In the event of a more complicated problem and where appropriate, I will usually contact the relevant Secretary of State (or Minister) directly to lobby your case. I may even make 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. However, if you think that the Government department is guilty of mal-administration, rather than enforcing the laws as they stand, then I can also take this to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (Ombudsman).
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