I usually hold four advice surgeries each month throughout my constituency.

As Tooting Library has now closed for refurbishments, I will no longer hold regular Saturday surgeries there.

In addition to this "walk in" surgeries at Earlsfield Library and Balham Community Centre (see below) I now have additional roving surgeries at different venues and times to meet the diverse needs of the  community.

Phone 0207 219 6316 to make an appointment.

Please note that Monday drop-in surgeries (no appointment needed) now start at 9.30am.

My advice surgeries for the remainder of 2008 are:

Monday 17th November - Balham Community Centre (drop in surgery)

Monday 8th December - Earlsfield Library (drop in surgery)

For appointment surgeries please call: 020 7219 6316

Surgery venues:

Earlsfield Library, Magdalen Road, SW18 3NY, 09.30am-10.30am (Drop-in, no appointment needed). Click here for a map.

Balham Community Centre, 91 Bedford Hill, SW12 9HE, 09.30am-10.30am (Drop-in, no appointment needed). Click here for a map.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP YOU?

Many people think that their MP is there to solve all their problems for them: this is not the case. MPs are there to help only with those matters for which Parliament or central government is responsible. Problems often arise with work carried out by central government departments and I will be able to help you with such areas as:

• Tax problems involving HM Revenue & Customs (but not council tax, which is paid to your local authority)

• Problems dealt with by the Department of Health such as hospitals and the NHS (but not problems with social services department of your local authority)

• Problems dealt with by the Department for Work and Pensions such as benefits, pensions and National Insurance

• Problems dealt with by the Home Office such as immigration

• Matters such as school closures and grants which are dealt with by the Department for Education & Skills (but not day to day problems involving schools which are run by their governors and local education authority)

I cannot intervene in private disputes between neighbours, with an employer, with family matters or with companies who have sold you faulty goods. I am also unable to interfere with decisions made by courts.

If you feel that your problem really concerns the council rather than central government, then you should contact your local council or elected councillor. Your local library or the Town Hall will be able to provide you with your councillor’s name and contact information. If your problem is of a more general nature or you are uncertain where to go for advice, then your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau will be able to guide you.  

IMPORTANT: For more information please download and read this leaflet 'You and Your MP'.

MPs can only help people who reside within their constituency. To check that you are in my constituency, visit the Constituency Locata website.