Local Democracy

Members of Parliament (MPs)

Barking Constituency - Margaret Hodge MP|

Dagenham and Rainham Constituency - Jon Cruddas MP|

Please note: People whose address comes under the Goresbrook, Becontree and Mayesbrook wards are in the Barking Constituency and not the Dagenham and Rainham Constituency.

The borough's MPs represent the local area in Parliament and can take up issues relating to government policy or departments.

MPs are elected every 4 years. Once elected, the job of an MP is to represent the people of his or her constituency (constituents) in Parliament, whether or not they voted for him or her.

You only have 1 MP so even if you voted for one of the other candidates and you disagree with the views of your MPs party, your MP is still there to help you with all matters for which Parliament or central government is responsible.

MPs are there to help only with those matters for which Parliament or central government is responsible, for example:

Tax problems involving the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise Departments (but not the council tax which is paid to your local authority)
Problems dealt with by the Department of Health such as hospitals and the National Health Service (but not problems with the Adult and Community 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 and matters such as school closures and grants which are dealt with by the Department for Education (but not day to day problems involving schools which are run by their governors and your local education authority)

Your MP is not there to help you in private disputes with neighbours, with an employer, with family matters or with companies who have sold you faulty goods; nor, for example, can they interfere with decisions made by courts.

MPs hold advice sessions where you can meet them and ask for their help. Their address is:

House of Commons

London

SW1A 0AA

Tel: 020 7219 3000

It is usually a good idea to write to your MP in the first instance, so that you can explain things clearly and so that your MP will have written details of your case. However, if you would like to speak to your MPs office at the House of Commons, please telephone the switchboard (020 7219 3000) and ask to be transferred to the appropriate office.

How your MP can help you

House of Commons website|

Contact

Barking and Dagenham Direct:

Tel: 020 8215 3000

Fax: 020 8227 5184

Minicom: 020 8227 5755

Email: 3000direct@lbbd.gov.uk|

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm.

Useful web links

United Kingdom Parliament|