Politicians

Working with your local MP

Your MP has a duty to listen your concerns. MPs are sensitive to the opinion of their electorate.  Few MPs can afford to take voters for granted and most want a reputation as a good constituency MP.   Remember that approximately 1 in 8 of the adult population are carers, which means that in many constituencies the number of carers entitled to vote will be higher than your MP’s majority.

What you can ask your MP to do

• Speak at a meeting.
• Meet local carers
• Participate in local events, visit an open day at a carers’ centre. You could use the MP’s presence as a photo opportunity with which to get local press coverage.  
  
• Some carers groups have asked their local MPs to ‘be a carer for a morning’. This works well on occasions like Carers Week or Carers Rights Day.
  
• Run a carers’ question time event with the MP.
• Run a surgery for carers. Many MPs hold surgeries on Fridays, why not ask your MP to dedicate a surgery to carers. 
  
• Help with publicity – most MPs will be keen to get an article in the local press showing that they care about carers’ issues.   
• Provide a link to your local group on their website.

In Westminster

• Sign an early day motion (EDM) showing support for a particular issue or campaign.
• Write to a minister – MPs will receive a response.

Finding out about your MP

If you are unsure who your local MP is you can find them on the internet by typing in your postcode at www.theyworkforyou.com it will also give you information about your MP’s voting record and interests.

Alternatively phone the House of Commons information desk on 020 7219 4272.

Tip! Look for common ground :

• Has your MP any links with carers’ organisations, disability or illness-specific organisations?
• What was your MP’s job before entering Parliament? 

Making contact with your MP

You could write a letter, fax or email to your MP on the issues you want to raise.

Key points to remember

• Identify yourself as a local group make sure you state that you cover, live or work in their constituency.
• Keep the letter brief but do enclose any relevant reports or information.
• Be clear about what you are asking your MP to do
• Request a reply.

 You may also want to refer your MP to Carers UK’s website for further information at www.carersuk.org

Your local councillors

Local councillors are good people to contact if you want to raise a serious concern about carers' services or to lobby about funding.  They are also good people to send campaigning materials to and keep informed about your activities.  There will be a councillor with responsibility for carers issues - you can find out their details by contacting your council.

Local councillors are elected in local elections. Local elections are a good opportunity to raise awareness about carers, lobby local candidates and get issues into the local press.

To find out about your council log onto www.direct.gov.uk