Constituency Office address
Suites 1/1A, Vermont House, Concord, Washington, NE37 2SQ
Tel. 0191 417 2000
E-mail: hodgsons@parliament.uk
Website: www.sharonhodgson.org
London Office address
Sharon Hodgson MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
Tel. 020 7219 5160
Help with getting in touch.
I am always interested to hear what people in my constituency think, so please do write to me at the above address, or you can e-mail me at hodgsons@parliament.uk
Don't forget to include your full contact details (name, address and postcode), as this will help speed our response to you.
If you need some advice on a personal issue, then please read the next section before making contact, as it may help you to know what I can and can’t do.
What I can help you with
As your MP, I can help you get some advice with problems you may be experiencing with Central Government or take up correspondence with central government agencies.
But, I am only allowed to take up issues from individuals who live in the Parliamentary Gateshead East and Washington West Constituency. So, if you're not sure if this is the case, you can check who your MP is (by using your postcode) here on the WriteToThem website.
You and your MP: For detailed information regarding "You and Your MP" (a Parliamentary factsheet which you can download).
Further information on when it's appropriate to contact your MP is available here.
Please be aware that MPs are unable to offer legal advice.
Local Council issues
You should make sure that you contact your local Councillors first. But, if they can't help you, I may be able to help you get some further advice.
Local Council websites:
Sunderland City Council
Who are my Sunderland Local Councillors?
Gateshead Council
Who are my Gateshead Local Councillors?
Local Government Ombudsman
If you have already complained to the Council and you are still not satisfied, you can contact the Local Government Ombudsman to make a complaint. The Ombudsman will assess your case and decide whether they are able to help you. You do not need to go through your MP to contact the LGO. The decision of the Ombudsman is final. 0300 061 0614
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
It is necessary to contact the Parliamentary Ombudsman through your local MP. This must be done in writing.
How to get my help
The first (and still the best) thing to do, is try and put your concerns and requests in writing - either by letter or by e-mail. You can get someone to help you if required, and brief is best. Then, get in touch with my office using the contact details above.
My staff will try and help you wherever possible, and, if appropriate, book an appointment for you at one of my surgeries. We deal with very many cases per month, so please be patient if we are busy.
Answer phone - My office will get back to you as soon as they can if you leave a message on the answer phone. 0191 417 2000
Parliamentary protocol
Please note that there is a strictly adhered-to convention at Westminster that Members of Parliament may not seek to intervene in matters affecting the constituents of other Members of Parliament.
So, in normal circumstances therefore, I will only be able to pursue matters raised by my own individual constituents.
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