CONSTITUENCY


Since I became an MP, I've received a significant number of enquiries from constituents on a range of financial problems, from issues with banking transfers, to mortgages, pensions and credit cards. I therefore thought it


Top 5 most complained about products from people living in Edinburgh South were: PPI – 353 (up from 115 in 2011/12)


House mortgages – 29 Current accounts – 20 Buildings insurance – 14 Credit card accounts – 14


might be useful to arrange for the Outreach Team of the Financial Ombudsman to come to South Edinburgh to answer any questions members of the public or local charities and organisations might have about financial services, and their financial rights.


During 2012/13, 935 people living in Edinburgh


8 6


South contacted the Financial Ombudsman helpline – which is a staggering 91% increase on the previous financial year (2011/12). This led to the Ombudsman taking on 522 complaints which required investigation from people living in Edinburgh South, up from 253 in 2011/12 – an increase of 106%. The Ombudsman is


currently upholding around 50% of all complaints from Edinburgh South in favour of the consumer. These cases found that the business had not treated the consumer fairly, so the business was required to pay some form of compensation.


As many residents may be aware, the City Council recently held a consultation on the Local Development Plan. This is where the Council looks, every 5 years, at areas for housing, business and recreation development across the city.


feeds into the long term development plans for the whole of Edinburgh and are expected to be looked at over the next 10 years. The latest LDP has detailed several areas


which the Council believe should be considered for development. This includes sites at the Broomhills, Burdiehouse, The Murrays, the Drum and Gilmerton Station Road. It sets out potential housing developments, along with new road, pavement and cycle links in these various areas. Understandably, many residents are


concerned about the impact these proposals will have on their local area. Indeed, I was very concerned that the Council failed to inform the people most affected by these proposals, and that is why I wrote to over 7000 residents urging as many local people as possible to make representations to the Council. During my discussion with local constituents and resident associations, it has


become clear that there are several points on which people have objected to the plans including:


It all


1. The breach of the Greenbelt; 2. The impact on local facilities; 3. The capacity of local traffic routes and infrastructure including drainage; 4. The school capacity issues; and 5. The lack of public consultation and understanding of the potential new housing.


Whilst more housing is needed across the


city, the Council has to give close consideration to where these new homes should be built and it should not be forced upon areas where there is already existing pressure on schools, roads and other amenities in the local area. I hope that the Council give careful


consideration to the representations that thousands of constituents have made. I promise to provide regular updates through these pages. However, if you would like any further information in the meantime, please do not hesitate to get in touch.


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