Top 10 highlights from 10,000 cases opened
This week my team and I hit our most significant milestone yet – we have personally assisted 10,000 constituents in Blackpool South with casework.
When members of the public get in touch with me for assistance, their issues are dealt with as casework. The workload is particularly high in Blackpool South, which has some of the most complex challenges of all constituencies in the country.
Behind every one of our 10,000 cases is a person dealing with a situation they’re struggling to tackle alone. We have had so many brilliant outcomes that have changed lives and this is undoubtedly the most rewarding part of my job as your MP.
Politics is people and every email, phone call and surgery reminds me why I’m here. My first priority will always be the residents of Blackpool South. Thank you to everyone who has trusted me and my team so far. We’ll keep working tirelessly for you, case by case.
Here are 10 casework highlights from the 10,000 myself and my team have dealt with.
From living in a tent to a new life
Frank had been sleeping in a tent in Layton Cemetery for almost a year when he got in touch with me. My team and I worked to secure him safe accommodation and access to addiction services. Today, he’s thriving, in stable housing and back in work. His turnaround has been remarkable.
Rehousing residents after a flat fire
After a devastating fire displaced an entire block of residents, many with complex needs, my team contacted insurers and housing providers to secure emergency accommodation was provided for them on the same day. We’ve continued to support these families as they rebuild their lives.
Michael’s £10,000 Universal Credit debt written off
When Michael was migrated from legacy benefits, he was wrongly hit with a £10k UC debt. We challenged the calculation with DWP, had it appealed and the entire amount was wiped due to official error.
Helping June and her husband secure life-changing support
June came to my pensioner surgery unsure if she qualified for any help while caring for her disabled husband. My team completed PIP and Pension Credit applications for them both and each were awarded with back payments. They can now afford adaptations and enjoy a better quality of life.
Teen carer supported through crisis
A teenage girl caring for her mum and siblings reached out just before Christmas. They were living without many basics due to mum’s ill health. We worked with local organisations to provide food, beds, clothing and ongoing support until her mum recovers.
Nurse’s visa approved – along with 478 others
Shiny, a local nurse and care worker, faced losing her job because her Certificate of Sponsorship had been delayed for months. Her visa was due to expire in weeks when she got in touch. I contacted UKVI and her sponsorship was approved the following morning – along with 478 others locally affected by the same backlog.
Gertrude’s £3,000 council tax bill overturned
At age 87, Gertrude received a £3,000 backdated council tax bill after selling her holiday flats. She couldn’t afford it and was extremely distressed. After we contacted the Council, the bill was cancelled entirely, plus the £200 she’d already paid was refunded.
Cancer patient finally recognised as disabled
A constituent undergoing intensive chemotherapy received a £0 Universal Credit award because they were not recognised as disabled, blocking access to further support like council tax reduction. We challenged this with DWP, who overturned the decision and confirmed they were not fit for work.
Mollie’s mistaken housing arrears waived
Mollie, a social housing tenant, was stuck in unsuitable accommodation because of historic rent arrears totalling £2,000. After we raised errors in her account with the housing provider, the debt was waived, she received an apology and she moved to a new home close to her SEND child’s school.
Child receives disability support
Charlotte had been told she would need to wait 25 weeks for a reconsideration on her son’s Disability Living Allowance. I emailed DWP in the afternoon and within two hours Charlotte received a call to confirm the decision was resolved. Around £3,100 in arrears was paid shortly afterwards – money that made an immediate difference to their family.
If you need support or have a concern please don’t hesitate to get in touch at chris.webb.mp@parliament.uk You can also get in touch to discuss government policy, but please know that I will always prioritise urgent casework and these replies can take longer.
