South Shields
Being the MP for South Shields has taught me one thing above all else - the value of community.
It is an honour to represent a community that is so strong, welcoming and inspiring.
On this page you will find my latest news and campaigns as well as useful information for residents and visitors.
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About South Shields
Herd Groyne Lighthouse, River Tyne, South Shields
© freefotoukSouth Shields is a town of great history. Its mining and seafaring heritage shaped generations of citizens. It has always had a strong sense of its own identity, proud to be part of the North East, but independent of Newcastle and Sunderland. The record books show it is the only constituency in existence since the Great Reform Act of 1832 never to have elected a Conservative MP.
Today the town is gearing itself for big change. The decline of traditional industry means that we need to rebuild the economic base. The vision of the South Tyneside Transformation Plan is that we should take advantages of our special assets - location, coast and sea, strong community, proximity to thriving cities - and make them count. That means linking in to regional economic development, for example through the pivotal role of the expanding Port of Tyne. It means making better use of the river - as a place for work, leisure, and learning, through the development of the internationally renowned marine college. And it means rebuilding the town centre as a place to shop.
South Shields has a bustling town centre, with lively shopping area and popular markets. A quaint eighteenth century traditional town hall stands in the square, surrounded by the newly refurbished high street, with shops, stores and restaurants offering great choice and value for money. On the South side stands the Church of St Hilda, which dates back to 1790 although there has been a church on that spot since 647 A.D. A lively nightlife, with wine bars and friendly pubs can be experienced in South Tyneside.
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Visiting South Shields
David's top 5 places to visit in South Shields:
The Sea! (The cliffs, the beach, the fun fair, 'the weebles' and Minchella's ice cream)
Colemans Fish and Chips
Customs' House
Marine Park
The Roman Fort
For more info go to www.visitsouthshields.com
How I can help
In the last general election I was honoured to be re-elected as Member of Parliament (MP) for the South Shields constituency and to take a seat in the House of Commons.
My role as an MP is to represent all the people in my constituency; not just those who voted for me. Whether or not you voted for me or agree with the views of my party, I am your MP and I am still here to help you with all matters for which Parliament or central government is responsible.
This page contains information on what I can, and what I cannot, do for you as your MP. This information is derived from the House of Commons Factsheet Members/Election Series No 1, which you can download in full in Adobe Acrobat format here.
What can I do to help you?
MP's are there to help only with those matters for which Parliament or central government is responsible. Problems often arise with work carried out by central government departments and I will be able to help you with such areas as:
- Tax problems involving the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise Departments (but not such areas as the council tax which is paid to your local authority);
- Problems dealt with by the Department of Health such as hospitals and the National Health Service;
- Problems dealt with by the Department of Work and Pensions such as benefits, pensions and national insurance.
- Problems dealt with by the Home Office such as immigration and matters such as school closures and grants which are dealt with by the Department for Education and Employment.
How I can help you with your problems
Where your problem does involve central government, I have a number of methods available to try to resolve the matter. A letter from me to the relevant department or official will often provide a solution. If not, I may decide to take matters a stage further by writing to the Minister involved, or even making 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, I may be able to take your case to the Ombudsman (Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration).
I am able to resolve such cases where there has been administrative incompetence. The Ombudsma