Council shakeup?

[bobnot]

Having read this article http://politics.guardian.co.uk/localgovern...1674724,00.html (http://politics.guardian.co.uk/localgovernment/story/0,9061,1674724,00.html) about council shakeup it would seem like a good idea for NfH members to write to David Miliband, communities and local government minister, via your own MP. I suspect that many members find it frustrating when councils fail to use the powers at their disposal. There seems to be no adequate appeals process. I think that many members may not realise that filling MP's letter bags (even better if the letter has questions/comments for ministers) has an effect and is one way of influencing legislation/ministerial guidance. This should be especially true given Tony Blair's supposed "Respect" agenda.

One address for your MP would be:

House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

[Planet 24]

My MP- the Right On Tony - hasnt replied to my last letter- nor the letters of people in the area who are experiencing similar problems - I dont hold out much hope that he will respond- but I DO have faith in my MEP.
I'll get straight into it - thanks :thumbs:

[bobnot]

I have lobbied my MP on many different subjects/topics - not all NfH related.

I discovered by accident that the most effective thing to do is to get your MP to forward your questions/views to the relevant minister. I have many responses from ministers. It is true that most responses are disappointing but some of the replies I have had were astonishing answers!

I'm certain that full mail bags get noticed. If I remember correctly a typical MP receives of the order of 500 letters per week.