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Armed Forces - Complaints
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The Independent Service Complaints Commissioner provides oversight of the complaints system within the forces and also serves as an alternative point of contact.
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Asylum
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There is a set procedure for dealing with organisations like the Home Office, UK Border Agencyand so forth. Therefore to save time, if your case relates to asylum or immigration you must complete and return the following forms to me. If you have a legal representative then you must also ensure they know that you have contacted me.
Casework Form
Authorisation Form
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Benefits
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I can try and help you with problems you may be having with benefits, including pensions and national insurance. Please write to be outlining the details of your problems. You may like to include copies of any relevant paperwork. It would also be helpful if you provided a telephone number, should my staff or I need to contact you to discuss your case.
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Bills
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You can download this factsheet on support available for those struggling to pay for household bills.
Help with Household Bills

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Bridgend Council
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In the first instance you should contact your local councillor as it is his or her job to represent you on issues relating to the provision of local government services. You can find you who your local councillors are here:
It is also worth visiting Bridgend Council's Website. The Local Government Ombudsmen investigates complaints about local authorities, but only after you have first exhausted the council's own complaints system.
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CSA
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I can try and help you with problems you may be having with the Child Support Agency. Please write to be outlining the details of your problems. You may like to include copies of any relevant paperwork. It is also helpful if you can provide a telephone number, should my staff or I need to contact you to discuss your case.
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Court Cases
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Members of Parliament are forbidden from intervening in ongoing court cases.
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Counselling
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Porthcawl Counselling Service: 01656 786486
Cruise Bereavement Care 0844 477 9400
Bridge Mentoring Service: Contact Angela James:
angela@thebridgemps.org.uk.
The Bethlehem Church Life Centre offer the following services:
Counselling Service in house Cognitive Therapist Working with addictions A person Centered Counsellor We also deliver accredited counselling skills for levels 2 & 3 Counselling for Adolescents. If you need any other details could you please contact Carol Freeman who is the person in charge of the Counselling Services at BCLC on 07831330680.
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Crime
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To find your Neighbourhood police team visit www.ourbobby.com
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Debt
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For debt advice visit Bridgend's Citizens Advice Bureau
Ground Floor 26 Dunraven Place Bridgend CF31 1JD
Tel: 01656 654951
You can also call the National Debtline for free, confidential and independent advice on 0808 808 4000
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Electoral Register
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You can register to vote here.
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Electricity - Bills & Service
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Energywatch is the independent gas and electricity watchdog. They can provide free and impartial advice and can take up your case with utility companies.
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Energy - Efficiency & Grants
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The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) is a Welsh Assembly Government funded initiative aimed at making homes in Wales warmer, healthier and more energy efficient. The HEES grant provides a package of heating and insulation improvements up to the value of £3,600.
The Energy Saving Trust can provide free and impartial advice on how you can cut your bills and help fight climate change.
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Gas - Bills & Services
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Energywatch is the independent gas and electricity watchdog. They can provide free and impartial advice and can take up your case with utility companies.
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Honours
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The UK Honours System has its own website with details of how to nominate people.
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Housing (Council)
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The provision of council housing is a matter for local government. As such, the housing section of Bridgend Council's website is a good place to start. If you cannot find the answer to your query or problem through this method, the next step is to contact your local councillor. You can find you who your local councillors are here.
A Welsh Housing Advice Guide can be viewed here:
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Immigration
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There is a set procedure for dealing with organisations like the Home Office, UK Border Agency and so forth. Therefore to save time, if your case relates to asylum or immigration you must complete and return the following forms to me. If you have a legal representative then you must also ensure they know that you have contacted me.
Case Details
Authorisation Form
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Media - Complaints
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The Ofcom website has a very helpful page on How to Complain - ranging from content on TV and Radio to problems with your phone and internet service. For newspapers and magazines see the Press Complaints Commission and for advertising the Advertising Standards Authority.
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Mortgages - Difficulties
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The National homelessness Advice Services (NHAS) publishes a leaflet entitled Worried about your mortgage? Get advice now which can be found below:

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Ombudsmen
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The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman carries out investigations into complaints against UK government Departments and Agencies.
The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales looks at complaints about councils and some other authorities including education and admissions panels. http://www.ombudsman-wales.org.uk/
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Parking
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Parking services are a matter for local government. As such, Bridgend Council's website in a good place to start. If you cannot find the answer to your query or problem through this method, the next step is to contact your local councillor. You can find you who your local councillors are here. After years of experience dealing with these issues, I have found the best course of action is sometimes to pay the fine and then appeal the decision where appropriate. This way you avoid paying an escalating fine (it can double after a certain period) should your appeal be unsuccessful.
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Pensions
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I can try and help you with problems you may be having with pensions. Please write to me outlining the details of your problem. You may like to include copies of any relevant paperwork. It is also helpful if you can provide a telephone number, should my staff or I need to contact you to discuss your case.
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Planning
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Planning applications fall under the responsibility of Bridgend County Borough Council. In the first instance you may find a solution through the planning section of the council's website.
Failing that you should contact your local councillor as it is his or her job to represent you on issues relating to the provision of council services. You can find you who your local councillors are here.
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Policing
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You may find the information or solution you are looking for through the pages of South Wales Police To find out about your neighbourhood police team visit www.ourbobby.com
For complaints about the Police themselves see the website of the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
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Post - Complaints
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In the first instance you should make your complaint to the postal service provider. However, if you remain unsatisfied then you can contact Postwatch, the independent watchdog for postal services.
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Rubbish Collections
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See the waste management section of Bridgend Council's website. Further to that you should contact your local councillor as it is his or her job to represent you on issues relating to the provision of council services like bin collections. You can find you who your local councillors are here.
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Small Business
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If you have a small business and are having difficulties due to the current economic climate, then do get in touch with me. You may also like to consult the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills' guide 'Real Help Now'.
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Tax
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I can try and help you with problems you may be having with tax, including HM Revenue & Customs. Please write to me outlining the details of your problem. You may like to include copies of any relevant paperwork.
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Tours of Parliament
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I can arrange guided tours of the Palace of Westminster, tours of the Westminster Clock Tower ('Big Ben') and tickets for the public gallery. Further details, including dates and times of tours, can be found on the Parliament website.
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Veterans Badges
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Eligibility criteria, details of how to apply and the necessary forms can all be found on the Veterans UK Website.
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Water - Bills & Service
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The Counsumer Council for Water provides a voice for water and sewerage customers and can help with complaints against water companies.
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