Bangpuss
Well-known member
I was explaining to someone on Facebook, half-jokingly, that I would contact my MP (Tessa Jowell) and ask her to address the housing minister regarding letting agents' fees. For the record, they hack me off tremendously, and I'd like them to be made illegal. As a technically homeless person myself, I know it's a pretty big obstacle for people looking for somewhere to live, who often can't afford an extra £150 on top of their deposit.
Before I march down to Tessa's office with even a whiff of optimism, can you fill me in on your experiences with your MP? Have you ever petitioned an elected representative? Was it in any way successful?
I find the idea of a politician solving a problem merely on the back of a suggestion from a constituent fascinating and romantic. I mean, skepticism aside, it really could happen, couldn't it?! Imagine: I tell Tessa Jowell how shitty and unfair letting agents' fees are. She writes a letter to Grant Schapps, the housing minister. Grant Schapps outlaws letting agents charging for credit checks and all the other admin shit nobody else would dare to charge you for.
Or maybe I'm deluded. So fill me in...
Before I march down to Tessa's office with even a whiff of optimism, can you fill me in on your experiences with your MP? Have you ever petitioned an elected representative? Was it in any way successful?
I find the idea of a politician solving a problem merely on the back of a suggestion from a constituent fascinating and romantic. I mean, skepticism aside, it really could happen, couldn't it?! Imagine: I tell Tessa Jowell how shitty and unfair letting agents' fees are. She writes a letter to Grant Schapps, the housing minister. Grant Schapps outlaws letting agents charging for credit checks and all the other admin shit nobody else would dare to charge you for.
Or maybe I'm deluded. So fill me in...
