The constituency covers a large geographical area which has meant that in the past people have often had to travel some distance for a surgery meeting. The ease of access which virtual meetings has offered has been welcomed and I have therefore decided to continue with this format. It reduces the need for travel and saves constituents considerable time. It can also enable me to reduce the waiting time for an appointment. Surgeries will continue to be held on a Friday.
In the first instance please email me with a brief summary of the issue that you would like assistance with or would like to discuss. Please include your full address and contact details. You can email me at john.howell.mp@parliament.uk.
With the assistance of my team we often find that we can help with a number of issues relatively quickly without waiting for my next surgery and will endeavour to do so where possible.
Please note that with regard to issues that fall under the remit of a local authority I have no power to compel local authorities to act or change any decisions. Whilst I can pass on concerns raised with me, the most efficient way to deal with issues relating to local councils is to contact your local councillor who is elected to represent concerns to their council.
Details of our local councils and what each does is below. Please also see useful contacts which gives links to a number of organisation that may be able to assist with specific questions.
Oxfordshire County Council is responsible for local services, including education, social services, transport, roads (except trunk roads and motorways), public rights of way, libraries, the fire service, culture, trading standards, bus subsidies, minerals, waste and recycling (disposal) and the environment.
The constituency is served by two district councils, Cherwell District Council and South Oxfordshire District Council. They are responsible for local services, including planning, housing and associated benefits, rubbish collection, environmental services, leisure services, some car parks and council tax collection.
To find your County Councillor at Oxfordshire County Council follow this link
To find your District Councillor if you are resident in the South Oxfordshire District Council area follow this link.
To find your District Councillor if you are resident in the Cherwell District Council area follow this link.