10 things you should know about Karen

1. Four ways to contact Karen:

By letter: House of Commons, London SW1A OAA
By phone: 020 8968 7999
By fax: 020 8960 0150
By e-mail: k.buck@rpkn-labour.co.uk

2. I represent around 120,000 people, in a constituency which stretches from Regent's Park to Wormwood Scrubs. Each year I take up thousands of issues and problems on behalf of constituents - from housing and parking to questions about my position or the government's position on local, national and international policy. Much of my job also involves being in Parliament, where MPs hold the government to account and debate and help make the law.

3. I hold advice surgeries almost every week. I do these by appointment because it allows me to see more people and to limit the length of time people have to wait. I also hold regular Saturday coffee mornings and meetings in schools and other venues. During these, I can't always have personal conversations with constituents about problems, but I can help you fill in a casework form and get started on helping you.

4. Lots of people want to see me, which is great But please remember that I can often get started on your issue earlier if you let one of my assistants begin making enquires on your behalf, especially if your problem is urgent. If you can, get a casework form filled in as soon as possible.

5. Although I work hard to keep track of replies to queries on your behalf, I also rely on you to keep me informed. If a reply from the Council, or a government department, is wrong or doesn't come at all, please get in touch via phone on 020 8968 7999 or e-mail at k.buck@rpkn-labour.co.uk! None of us can be everywhere at once and I need your feedback.

6. As an MP, I do not directly run services like schools, and am not in charge of the local council. When it comes to housing problems, I can only try and persuade the Council to change its policy, or set right a mistake, or help maximise the number of points a family has. Quite rightly, I cannot ask the Council, or a school, to place one needy family in front of another.

7. MPs can take up issues or problems relating to government: tax and benefits, immigration/Home Office, housing education and health.

8. MPs can't take up 'private issues' such as between neighbours, and don't usually have much ability to take up issues involving private companies (such as employment disputes). MPs also won't usually get involved in cases of child protection, and have no powers to intervene in the courts.

9. My assistants and I have helped around 30,000 people since I was elected in 1997.

10. My assistants and I may suggest that you take legal or other specialist advice if, for example, we feel that you need expert help with benefits, or an appeal. Often, we get the best results when we work together with solicitors or advice agencies.