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Frequently asked questions

Who can I help?

According to strict parliamentary protocol, Members of Parliament may only deal with casework on behalf of their own constituents. Therefore, if you live outside of South Devon, you’ll need to contact your local MP if you have an issue.

 

You can discover who your MP is here: 

What can I help with?

As part of my remit as an MP I can assist with any challenges you are facing which are the responsibility of a national government department. This includes pensions, passports, visas, HMRC, and tax credits. If you’re unsure whether your challenge is covered by this remit, you can find out more on the UK Parliament website here: 

If your issue pertains to housing, waste disposal, parking, schools, planning, or any other locally delivered service, you should first contact your local Council.

 

The South Devon parliamentary constituency is divided between two local government areas, with Devon County Council and Torbay Council being responsible for many local services in their area.

Devon County Council is then divided into several districts, including South Hams District Council in our area, which is responsible for many other local services.

 

The following link sets out your elected representatives at different levels of government:

Devon County Council is responsible for: ​

  • Local education 

  • Highways and roads 

  • Transport planning 

  • Social Care 

  • Waste Disposal 

  • Strategic Planning 

 

If you live within the Devon County Council area and require help or advice with one of these areas: 

  • Find your local councillor here:

  • Find Devon County Council’s full contact details here:

South Hams District Council is responsible for: 

  • Local housing issues 

  • Leisure and recreation 

  • Environment health issues 

  • Waste collection 

  • Local planning applications

  • Local taxation  

If you live within the South Hams District Council area and require help or advice with one of these areas: 

  • Find your local councillor here:

  • Find South Hams District Council’s full contact details here:

Torbay Council is responsible for: 

  • Local education 

  • Highways and roads

  • Transport planning 

  • Social Care 

  • Waste Disposal

  • Strategic Planning 

  • Local housing issues

  • Leisure and recreation

  • Environment health issues 

  • Waste collection

  • Local planning applications 

  • Local taxation 

If you live within the Torbay Council area and require help or advice with one of these areas:

  • Find your local councillor here:

  • Find Torbay Council’s full contact details here:


 

How long will it take to receive a reply?

My team and I receive hundreds of emails, letters and phone calls from constituents every day, many of which are urgent casework issues. These are prioritised and dealt with as quickly as possible, and include issues related to homelessness, urgent medical issues, and health care. 

I will also respond to all non-urgent casework issues that are raised with me, but, as we are prioritising urgent cases, these may take longer to reply to. The same is also true for policy questions, which will also all be replied to, but this may take a number of weeks. 

How will my personal data be used?

​You can read more about my privacy policy here: 

Useful links

Advice for older people

Age UK Advice Line - Age UK’s advice line is a free phone service for older people, their families, friends, carers and profeionals

Devon County Council Adult Social Care Services - If you have concerns about a vulnerable adult or need care support

Re-engage - Re-engage is a charity which organises call companions, activity groups, and monthly coffee mornings

Community support

Devon Carers - Support service for carers

Dartmouth Caring - Charity supporting Dartmouth and its surrounding villages

One Devon - A collaboration between local councils and the NHS to improve the lives of people in Devon

South Devon Food Alliance - Directory of food banks operating in South Devon

Totnes Caring - Offering wellbeing support to Totnes

Domestic violence services & crimes

Devon County Council Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse – Directory of charities working with victims of domestic violence

HMRC Scams and Phishing - Report scams and phishing messages to HMRC

National Domestic Abuse Hotline – An organisation working with victims of domestic violence

National Men's Advice Line  – Helpline for male victims of domestic abuse

Homelessness

Nightstop South Devon - An emergency accommodation service

South Hams District Council - If you are threatened with homelessness, make a homeless application with South Hams District Council

Torbay District Council - If you are threatened with homelessness, make a homeless application with Torbay District Council

Mental health & wellbeing

Devon Mind - An organisation offering mental health services

Samaritans Crisis Line - 24/7 crisis line for suicidal thoughts

Welfare, paying bills & consumer advice 

Citizens Advice Bureau, South Hams - Book an appointment with South Hams Citizens Advice to discuss benefit entitlement and support

Citizens Advice Bureau, Torbay - Book an appointment with Torbay Citizens Advice to discuss benefit entitlement and support

Contact me

Stay up-to-date with my activities

By email

Book an appointment

By phone

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