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Tracy Gilbert MP

FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions 

  1. What can I do for you as your MP?

As your Member of Parliament, I represent you in the UK Parliament at Westminster. I can: 

  • Help with UK-wide issues like immigration, welfare such as Universal Credit, pensions, taxes, defence, and foreign policy 
  • Raise your concerns in Parliament including asking questions to Ministers or speaking in debates 
  • Assist you with problems involving UK government departments such as HMRC, the DWP, or the Home Office 
  • Support local causes by lobbying for improvements and championing community concerns 
  • Hold advice surgeries where we can speak one-on-one about any challenges you’re facing 
  • In most cases I can only support you in an advocacy role. This means I’ll write to the relevant authority or organisation on your behalf to urge them to take your case more seriously. 

Please note that I cannot intervene in personal legal matters or overturn court decisions. 

If you’d like to book a surgery appointment, please email me at [email protected] or call me on 07983191316 

 

  1. What’sthe difference between devolved and reserved issues? 

Some responsibilities are handled by the Scottish Parliament while others remain with the UK Parliament. Here’s a guide to help clarify: 

Devolved issues (Scottish Parliament) 

These responsibilities sit with the Scottish Parliament and include: 

  • NHS and healthcare in Scotland 
  • Education and schools 
  • Transport within Scotland 
  • Policing and justice 
  • Housing and local government 
  • Environment and agriculture 
  • Social care 
  • Some aspects of tax such as Scottish income tax 

You can find your MSP on the following website: https://www.parliament.scot/msps 

Reserved issues (UK Parliament) 

These responsibilities sit with the Houses of Parliament, as your Member of Parliament I can raise these issues in the House of Commons and include: 

  • Immigration and visas 
  • Defence and the armed forces 
  • Foreign affairs and international development 
  • Employment rights and law 
  • Welfare and social security partly shared 
  • Broadcasting including TV and radio 
  • The UK constitution 
  • Most aspects of energy supply and transmission 

If you’re unsure who to speak to, get in touch and my team will help point you in the right direction. 

 

  1. What issues are handled by the City of Edinburgh Council?

Your local council is responsible for services that affect daily life in the Edinburgh area. These include: 

  • Council tax and local rates 
  • Bin collections and recycling 
  • Roads and pavements 
  • Local planning and building control 
  • Council housing and homelessness 
  • Schools and early years education 
  • Social work and care services 
  • Licensing including taxis, alcohol, and events 
  • Parks, libraries, and leisure centres 
  • Parking and local transport 

For these issues, your local councillor is usually the best person to contact. 

You can find your local Cllr here: https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?bcr=1 

 

  1. Can I contact you about Council issues?

Yes, you are more than welcome to contact me about Council related issues especially if your situation involves a broader policy or national issue. 

However, I do not have any authority over the Council. Local Councillors are elected to make decisions on local services and planning.  

If your concern involves a council decision or service, it’s usually best to raise it directly with your local councillor, who is elected specifically to deal with these issues. 

You can find your local Cllr here: https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?bcr=1 

 

  1. 5. Can I just drop into the office?

You’re very welcome to pop into my office if you have a quick question or need help with something. My team is always happy to assist where we can. 

As I work in Westminster most of the week you will most likely meet one of my caseworkers. 

However, if you’d like to speak with me directly, it’s best to book an appointment for one of my regular advice surgeries. That way, I can give your issue the time and attention it deserves, and we can make sure your visit is properly scheduled. 

To arrange a surgery appointment, just email me at [email protected] 

 

  1. 6. Can youprovidelegal advice? 

My small team and I are not licensed to provide legal or immigration advice.  

I would recommend the following places for legal or immigration advice: 

 

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