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You and Yours: 13/09/2011

13/09/2011

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 13/09/2011

With Julian Worricker. Should your local MP be more accessible?

How hard-working is your local MP? What have they done to help you and your family?

How hard-working is your local MP? How have they helped you and your family? The Labour MP, Sir Stuart Bell, has been dubbed 'Britain's laziest MP' after a local reporter claimed to have called his office a hundred times without getting any reply. Sir Stuart disputes the allegations and says his constituents can always make appointments to see him at any time. He hasn't held weekly surgeries since being attacked 14 years ago, but regularly visits constituents in their homes. MP's have no specific job description. They decide themselves how to manage their time between Westminster and constituency business. Their roles include campaigner, legislator, housing adviser, scrutineer of government and, according to one MP, D-List Celebrity when village fetes need opening. So what has your MP done for you? Maybe solved a housing problem or helped with a school admission. Perhaps asked a parliamentary question on your behalf? Or do you feel your MP is as elusive as the Scarlet Pimpernel? Many parliamentarians describe themselves on their websites as 'hard-working' - do you agree? With a basic annual salary of £65,738 and allowances on top, do they represent value for money? How much do you know about what your local MP does? Call You and Yours with Julian Worricker. Your chance to contribute your views to the programme. Email youandyours@bbc.co.uk, text 84844 and we may call you back or call 03700 100 444 (lines open Tuesday at 10am).

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