What is a reasonable time frame to get a response from a Councillor?

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on September 3, 2015 at 20:44

WriteToThem.com suggests two weeks.

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Permalink Reply by Angela on September 3, 2015 at 22:35

Thanks Hugh.

Tough luck if you need an urgent response then.

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Permalink Reply by John D on September 3, 2015 at 22:49

In my case, six months ( after two reminders )

More helpfully, they all do surgeries when you can go to see them.

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Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on September 4, 2015 at 0:06

Angela you have three ward councillors and they will probably work together and share the work.

I'd suggest you send a polite email reminder to Cllr X - the person you contacted, copying-in the other two. And adding something like: "In case Cllr X is ill or on holiday, can I please ask, Cllrs Y & Z, for your help instead".

If you take up John's suggestion about going to see them then, usually ward councillors have a rota for the advice sessions.  So first look up the rota on the Council's website. So you can see the first available person. And maybe just phone beforehand to check they'll be there. Councillor's contact numbers are also on the website.  http://www.minutes.haringey.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?bcr=1

A quick phone conversation might also be helpful if the problem you want to discuss isn't something they can assist with.  In which case ask them for alternative suggestions.

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Permalink Reply by Angela on September 4, 2015 at 10:36

Thanks both. I did email all three Councillors initially in the hope that one of them would respond.  Two of them did but I have heard nothing since despite sending two polite reminders so I will try to attend the surgery as suggested. Just in case anyone else on here has any advice or is in a similar position, my email was in connection with the Schools Admissions Service closing waiting lists which I believe contravenes paragraph 2.14 the School Admissions Code.

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Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on September 5, 2015 at 1:14

In that case, as you're raising a legal challenge, can I suggest you copy in the email "trail" to  Cllr Anne Waters who is the "cabinet" member for Children's Services. She will be able to get legal advice and give an 'official' reply to you.

Plainly this wouldn't prevent your ward councillors from taking an interest and following up the issue.

I'd suggest as well,that if you haven't already done so, you might want to consider copying-in your MP.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Anderson on September 5, 2015 at 8:41

Angela, there is a formal process all local authorities must follow regarding appeals about school admissions so it may be that your email falls under this. http://www.haringey.gov.uk/children-and-families/schools-and-educat...
Having said that, the actual process of making an appeal is also a formal one (not just an email) so I would have through that the person you wrote to would have at least written back to you to let you know this.

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Permalink Reply by Angela on September 5, 2015 at 12:22

I went to the Councillor's surgery today and got the update I was after.

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on September 5, 2015 at 12:46

I guess if the mountain won't come.......

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