Where your problem does require that you contact your MP, there are a number of methods available to try to resolve the matter:

- A letter from Julie to the relevant department or official will often provide a solution;

- Julie may decide to take matters a stage further by writing to the Minister involved;

- Julie may make an appointment to see the Minister personally.

Many constituents' problems can be solved in this way but not all problems, of course, have an easy solution. The Minister may not be able to give the answer that you wanted to hear but if the decision has been made in the right way, there may be little that can be done.

If, on the other hand, there has been unnecessary delay, or if some essential procedure has been missed out, i.e. if there has been maladministration, Julie may be able to take your case to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is sometimes able to resolve such cases where there has been administrative incompetence but can only be approached via your MP; you cannot approach the Ombudsman directly.

All of the methods discussed so far allow problems to be kept confidential. If Julie is not satisfied with the answers received, she may feel that there is something to be gained by making the matter public and may want to raise the issue in Parliament.