Understanding My Role as Your MP for Central Suffolk & North Ipswich

This section outlines my responsibilities as your Member of Parliament and how I can support you in addressing your concerns.

What is the Role of an MP?

The House of Commons comprises 650 MPs, each representing a specific constituency. My role is to represent the people of Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, which includes a diverse range of communities such as Framlingham, Debenham, Kesgrave, and Needham Market, among others.

As your MP, I bring the issues that matter to you—whether local, regional, or national—to the attention of Parliament and government departments.

How Can I Help You?

I can assist with matters falling under the remit of Parliament or central government, including:

  • HM Revenue and Customs: Issues with tax, national insurance, or self-assessment.
  • Department for Work and Pensions: Concerns about benefits, pensions, or Universal Credit.
  • Home Office: Challenges with visas, immigration, or passport delays.
  • Department of Health and Social Care: Problems with hospital care, GP services, or the NHS in general.

It is important to note that strict parliamentary rules mean I can only act on behalf of residents of Central Suffolk and North Ipswich. If you live outside this area, you should contact your local MP for support.

What I Cannot Do as an MP

While I am here to help in many areas, there are limits to my role:

  • Legal Matters: I cannot intervene in court decisions or provide legal advice.
  • Personal Disputes: I cannot mediate in private disagreements with neighbours, employers, or businesses.
  • Council Issues: If your issue involves local council services—such as planning, parking, or waste collection—you should first exhaust the council’s complaints procedure before approaching me.

In our constituency, Suffolk County Council manages services such as highways, schools, social services, and libraries. 

Meanwhile, Mid Suffolk District Council, East Suffolk Council, and Ipswich Borough Council handle responsibilities like housing, planning, refuse collection, and leisure services.

Although I have no direct authority over council decisions, I can write to the relevant authority on your behalf if necessary, particularly if procedural fairness or governance concerns arise.

How Will I Address Your Concerns?

If you approach me with a matter, I can:

  • Write to the relevant government department or agency.
  • Raise your case with the appropriate Minister.

In many instances, this intervention leads to a resolution. However, please understand that if a decision has been made correctly and in line with existing policies, there may be limits to what further action I can take.

Referring Cases to the Ombudsman

If you believe a public body has caused undue delays or failed to act fairly, you may refer your case to an Ombudsman. Most Ombudsman services accept direct submissions from the public, but the Parliamentary Ombudsman requires a referral by an MP.

If you wish me to refer your case, please complete the necessary forms and provide all relevant documentation. While I am happy to assist, I may decide not to forward a complaint if it is deemed inappropriate or unlikely to succeed.

Contacting My Office

If you are unsure whether I can help, please do not hesitate to get in touch with my office for guidance. My team and I are here to listen and, where possible, act on your concerns.

You can reach us on 01728 726612 or via email at [email protected].