Every week my office handles hundreds of letters and emails from local people about an incredibly wide range of issues. As a result of these I often arrange meetings with the responsible agencies so that I can raise my constituents’ concerns and make sure their voices are heard by decision makers. One of the most common concerns raised is around housing.

As readers will remember, I have already written here extensively about my meetings with the Borough and County Councils, where I constantly stress the need for more homes to be built, but not at the expense of what makes our area special. I also continue to make the case for matching infrastructure to go alongside any new housing. This includes advancing the case as a Minister, for example through my membership of the cross-Government working groups looking at these issues.

Most recently though I organised a meeting with Clarion (Affinity Sutton), one of Hertsmere’s largest housing associations. It is crucial that alongside new development we make sure existing properties are fit for people to call home.

I know that many residents are pretty sick and tired of the performance of Clarion. I used the meeting to press them on a number of issues that people have complained about, including problems with customer service, anti-social behaviour and repairs to properties.

I was glad that they listened to these points and assured me that they are making improvements. We also agreed to stay in close contact to help resolve individual cases that constituents bring to my attention and I will continue to watch this issue closely in my role as Hertsmere’s local Member of Parliament.