Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Query?
This is Catherine’s FAQ section. Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions Catherine receives.
If you require further assistance, please contact Catherine and her team through the contact details at the bottom of this page.
Is Catherine my MP?
You can find out if Catherine is your Member of Parliament by entering your postcode into this website.
Parliamentary protocol means that Catherine can only assist, respond to, and represent the concerns of, people living within her constituency.
How can Catherine help me?
As well as voting on legislation and raising issues in the House of Commons, Catherine deals with cases and problems raised by people in the constituency. Catherine will always listen to, and respond to, the concerns of her constituents regardless of their political persuasion.
Catherine is best able to assist in cases where Parliament or central Government is responsible, such as:
- National policy issues that the Government has taken
- Actions and decisions made by Government bodies, such as DWP, HMRC or the Home Office. These can include benefits, pensions, National Insurance, immigration and visas, or tax problems.
- Problems with the NHS or other public bodies.
Catherine is also happy to take up issues with Newcastle City Council or North Tyneside Council, and other local bodies on behalf of constituents. She is unable to settle private disputes with neighbours or employers, nor can she help in family arguments or consumer matters. She cannot interfere with decisions made in court. For legal advice, you should always contact a practising solicitor.
How will Catherine deal with my problem?
Catherine will often try and resolve your problem by writing to the relevant agency (e.g. HMRC), organisation (e.g. Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council) or Government Minister. She may also raise the issue or problem you are concerned about in the House of Commons.
If you feel that there has been unnecessary delay or maladministration in the handling of your case by a third-party organisation, Catherine may also be able to take your case to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
Catherine is happy to meet with constituents and operates surgeries to discuss any specific issues. In the first instance, please contact her via telephone (0191 229 0352) or by email to [email protected].
What is Catherine up to in Parliament?
Catherine sends out a regular e-bulletin for constituents about her work both in Westminster and Newcastle North – you can sign up to this here.
You can also find regular updates on her activities both on this website and on her social media channels.
All of her speeches and contributions in Parliament can be found here.
How can I find out about Catherine’s expenses claims?
All of Catherine’s expenses claims – made to enable to her to carry out her Parliamentary duties under the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) scheme – are available here.
How can I watch what happens in Parliament?
Parliamentary proceedings (in both the House of Commons and House of Lords) are broadcast live via the official Houses of Parliament website here. You can also find recordings of previous Parliamentary sessions, Select Committee hearings and Westminster Hall debates on this website.
How can I find out more about how Parliament works?
A wealth of information about how Parliament works is contained on the official Houses of Parliament website.
There is also a website specifically designed for younger people and schools/teachers available here.
Can I visit Parliament?
Yes, and Catherine is able to arrange a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament and/or secure tickets to view proceedings in the House of Commons or Lords for her constituents.
Please contact Catherine via phone or email with your request and we will be in touch with further details. Please note that there is currently a waiting list for both tours and tickets.
How can I contact Catherine as Minister for School Standards?
You can contact Catherine in her capacity as Minister for School Standards through the Department for Education’s website, which can be accessed here.
The website you are currently on, and Catherine’s parliamentary email address, are used in her role as the MP for Newcastle North only, and she will be unable to respond to those who are not constituents through this route.