{"id":39,"date":"2024-12-05T11:22:15","date_gmt":"2024-12-05T11:22:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/anna270cba86a53.wordpress.com\/?page_id=39"},"modified":"2025-05-19T15:21:18","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T15:21:18","slug":"lobbying-parliament","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/?page_id=39","title":{"rendered":"MP Campaign"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-content-justification-center is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-column-is-layout-1 wp-block-column-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MPs are the key to change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Write to your MP about your situation or if you are concerned about rogue traders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are required to reply within 15 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mark Garnier is the Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury, MP for Wyre Forest and a fellow witness. He is presenting a Domestic Building Works (Consumer Protection) Bill in Parliament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A bill needs 100 MPs on board to get through to the next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We have increasing numbers of MP&#8217;s on board &#8211; and we need more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"852\" height=\"565\" src=\"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/screenshot-2024-12-05-101952.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/screenshot-2024-12-05-101952.png 852w, https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/screenshot-2024-12-05-101952-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/screenshot-2024-12-05-101952-768x509.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 852px) 100vw, 852px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-style-section-1 has-global-padding is-content-justification-center is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained is-style-section-1--1\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-3 wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-duotone-unset-2\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/glenn-carstens-peters-npxxwgq33zq-unsplash.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-184\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-2 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.588), 20px);\"><strong>Write to your MP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>O<strong>nly you can write to your MP<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Campaign letters are ignored, it&#8217;s got to be personal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/members.parliament.uk\/FindYourMP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Find out who your MP is<\/a>,<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-4 wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-duotone-unset-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1880\" height=\"1253\" src=\"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-photo-8898633.jpeg?w=1024\" alt=\"Photo by Lara Jameson on Pexels.com\" class=\"wp-image-206\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-photo-8898633.jpeg 1880w, https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-photo-8898633-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-photo-8898633-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-photo-8898633-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-photo-8898633-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1880px) 100vw, 1880px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.588), 20px);\"><strong>Let CAST know you have written<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Either by <strong>Info@castcampaign.co.uk<\/strong> or via our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/587177657216874\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-5 wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-duotone-unset-4\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/sincerely-media-3kefp35fvb0-unsplash.jpg?w=683\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-186\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.588), 20px);\"><strong>Let us know your MPs response<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Email us if you want to keep things between us, or via our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/587177657216874\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-content-justification-center is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-column-is-layout-6 wp-block-column-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Writing to your MP<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MPs only accept letters from you, their constituents<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Navigating parliamentary processes is a dark art. We have teamed up with Mark Garnier, MP for Wyre Forest, to create a set of tools and guidelines detailed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For added impact, Mark recommends asking questions in your letter and asking to meet your MP to hear and discuss their answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1880\" height=\"1253\" src=\"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-photo-851213.jpeg\" alt=\"Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com\" class=\"wp-image-48\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-photo-851213.jpeg 1880w, https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-photo-851213-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-photo-851213-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-photo-851213-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-photo-851213-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1880px) 100vw, 1880px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-style-section-1 has-global-padding is-content-justification-center is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-16 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained is-style-section-1--5\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-4 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-8 wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-11 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-duotone-unset-6\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/kenneth-lau-q_wggm-eb2q-unsplash.jpg?w=683\" alt=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/grayscale-photo-of-man-standing-on-rock-formation-Q_wggM-Eb2Q?utm_content=creditShareLink&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash\n\" class=\"wp-image-188\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-10 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 1 -An MP&#8217;s advice<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.588), 20px);\"><strong>How your letter can stand out<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Always include your <strong>name, address and postcode<\/strong>. These are critical as MPs will only respond to their own constituents<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>.Keep it brief, to a maximum of two sides of A4<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Write in brief sentences and paragraphs for their easy reading and understanding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Be polite, you want to get the MP on your side.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Carry out a spelling and grammar check before sending it (not critical, but can help your message land)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-9 wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-13 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-duotone-unset-7\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/cdd20-klidkegqfoo-unsplash.jpg?w=683\" alt=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-red-wall-with-a-yellow-arrow-pointing-in-opposite-directions-klidkegqfoo?utm_content=creditShareLink&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash\" class=\"wp-image-207\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-12 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 2 &#8211; Write the Letter<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.588), 20px);\"><strong><strong>Framework to follow<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Remember: include your name, address and postcode<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Outline the work you wanted done. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explain how you found your skilled trades person. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Describe why you hired them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include the financial details for the job.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Explain what has gone wrong.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What official bodies did you contact &amp; what did they say?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Did you take a legal route \/ take them to court? If so, what happened?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you did not take a legal route, why not?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How has this impacted you \/ your family emotionally and financially?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A<strong>lways ask questions in the letter and ask to meet them in person to discuss this situation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-3-color\"><em><strong>Include before signing off<\/strong>: <\/em>I have learned of the Domestic building Works (Consumer Protection) Bill being lead by Conservative MP, Mark Garnier.  It looks like he is pushing for a change that could prevent others from going through the situation we have been through, regardless of their political views. Please can you advise what you are doing about this?<\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-10 wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-15 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-duotone-unset-8\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/campaign-creators-pypeceajezy-unsplash.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-208\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-14 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 3 &#8211; Meet your MP<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.588), 20px);\"><strong>Prepare for your MP Meeting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be ready to share:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Facts and figures, and your experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indicate if you know your rogue continues to work risking others homes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Share who you have contacted to get help or to try and get the rogue brought to justice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Share any challenges getting your case taken up by Trading Standards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-3-color\">Suggested questions for your MP:<\/mark><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-3-color\">How can traders avoid paying CCJs? They claim poverty, which places more pressure on the victim. This forces the victim to pay more money trying to recover the awarded amount.<\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-3-color\">How can traders create a Phoenix Companies on Companies House? They close the company before submitting accounts and open another one. They repeat this process repeatedly, with no checks in place?<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-3-color\">Why is it that the UK is the only country in Europe that allows unregulated tradespeople?<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-accent-3-color\">Have you been a victim or had trouble finding a good tradesperson?<\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>What if your MP is already onboard, do I still write to them?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. And encourage others to do the same.  The more letters they get, the more they realise how the public have had enough of being ripped off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>I&#8217;ve not been a victim, can I help?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Let them know your concerns about how hard it is to find a trustworthy tradesperson. If you have examples, use them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>My MP does not appear to be interested, do I still write to them?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. They may be focusing on other priorities in their constituency and are not aware of the scale of the rogue trader issue in their area. The more letters you send, the more they will realise it is a problem they need to look into. Those MPs that we change from resistant to ally will be the strongest allies we can hope for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>What will CAST do with this information?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We will be noting on our UK Map which MPs are on board. Progress will be shared on updates across the year. <em><strong>Your details will not be shared in any way<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>MPs are the key to change Write to your MP about your situation or if you are concerned about rogue traders. They are required to reply within 15 days. Mark Garnier is the Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury, MP for Wyre Forest and a fellow witness. He is presenting a Domestic Building Works (Consumer [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-39","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=39"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":544,"href":"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39\/revisions\/544"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/castcampaign.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=39"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}