As it is the Easter Recess I thought I would take the opportunity to update you about the issues that you have been contacting me about so far this year.
Members of Parliament usually split their workload up into two broad categories, the first is what we call casework and happens when a constituent contacts us asking for help with a particular problem that they are having.
The second category is when you contact me about policy issues asking me to lobby the Government for a particular change in the law, or when you ask me to vote one way or another.
As with the final nine months of last year the largest part of my casework this year has been in one way or another Covid-19 related. The most common issues you have contacted me about are the effect school closures have had on your families; about getting your vaccinations (you might remember the Hinckley vaccination centre opened slightly later than most others in Leicestershire); outdoor exercise during the third lockdown (which I’m delighted restarted last Monday); the impact of Covid-19 on your local pubs; and the importance of vaccinating those with learning disabilities.
It may surprise you though that the policy side of my work hasn’t been dominated by Covid-19 to the same extent.
Whilst some of you did contact me about the Coronavirus Act I have received far more contact from you about the badger cull; the cladding of buildings; trophy hunting; E scooters; the Trade Bill… and even one or two emails about Brexit.
To put things further in context in the first three months of this year I have received 4,640 emails from constituents, that’s 56% higher than the 2,973 emails I received from you in the same non-COVID period last year!
Those emails (plus telephone calls and letters) have seen the creation of 2,119 new pieces of casework (up from 1,390 for the same period last year).
In total since becoming your MP I have received 21,807 emails from you – and that doesn’t include the thousands of emails I receive from people outside the constituency who write to me daily about a whole host of issues.
The job of a Member of Parliament is to be there for his constituents. I’m certain that there will be those of you who don’t agree with me, and hopefully thousands that do. But, hopefully this short summary evidences a little the responsiveness that I and my team are always striving for. You can keep an eye on what I have been up to looking at my website: News | Dr Luke Evans MP for stories, speeches, and oral questions, plus you can read my written questions (239 and counting…) and votes here: Written questions submitted by Dr Luke Evans - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Easter.
(Image shows Case Types created since 01/01/21)
