MPs can assist their constituents in a variety of ways, from making private enquiries on your behalf, to raising matters publicly in the House of Commons.

First Steps

Keeping the issue private, your MP might write to the relevant department or official, send a letter to the appropriate Minister or make a personal appointment to discuss the issue.

Although they don’t sound dramatic, these steps can often go a long way to providing a solution.

Making the Issue Public

Your MP may decide to make the issue public by raising it in the House of Commons, where it will be officially recorded, and could potentially come to the attention of the press and public.

If these options aren’t possible or successful, you may wish to organise a petition addressed to the House of Commons or lobby your MP.

Outside Parliament

Outside Parliament, and at the discretion of the individual MP, you could request that your MP speak at an event concerning the issue, pledge their support to a campaign or write to the local media on your behalf.

When a MP Can’t Help

MPs are often willing to help their constituents but can’t support every cause. This may be because:

• it adversely affects other constituents

• the issue conflicts with the MP’s party policy

• it is a devolved issue

MP's will only deal with issues raised by their own constituents and not with issues raised by constituents of other MP's. This is because the British parliamentary system is founded on the principle that one Member represents a single constituency, and that her or his relations with constituents are very much a preserve other Members should not interfere with.

Here in Scotland with the assent of the Scotland Act 1998 certain policy matters have been devolved to the Scottish Parliament and are the sole province of your Member of the Scottish Parliament.

The table below details the various responsibilities of MP's, MSP's and local Councillor's. 

Who is my MSP?

The Paisley and Renfrewshire North Westminster constituency covers areas of the West Renfrewshire and Paisley North Scottish Parliamentary constituencies.

I am always happy to listen to any issue which relates to the Scottish Parliament but in the event you require assistance I am required to pass your case to the relevant MSP.

Who is my Councillor?

To find our who your local Councillor is please contact Renfrewshire Council on 0141 842 5000 or visit their website at: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/

Back to Top