Working for Constituents Across North East Fife

8 minutes ago
3 min read

Over recent weeks, my team and I have met with a range of local services to discuss issues that constituents regularly raise with us, including transport, housing, community safety, welfare support and access to local services.

Transport and Roads

Many residents contact me about speeding, parking, road maintenance and flooding concerns. During a recent meeting with Fife Council's Transport Services, my team gained a better understanding of how these issues are managed and the processes behind key decisions.

One important point discussed was that speed surveys can often be requested where there are local concerns. We also heard about the ongoing rollout of 20mph speed limits and the significant amount of consultation and legal work required before new limits can be introduced.

While we appreciate that delays are frustrating, we encourage all residents to report concerns directly to the relevant service, as this helps ensure issues are logged, assessed and actioned as quickly as possible.

Housing and Accessibility

Housing remains one of the most common issues raised by constituents. I recently sought updates on delays to Housing Functional Needs Assessments (HFNAs), which help determine housing requirements for disabled tenants. I continue to monitor the situation, however, have been assured that progress is being made.

I also raised questions about the process for converting temporary accommodation into permanent tenancies and discussed concerns around property improvements.

Community Safety

My team also met with the Safer Communities Team to discuss issues affecting local neighbourhoods. Officers highlighted a decline in direct reporting, with many residents choosing to contact elected representatives before reporting concerns to council services.

While I am always happy to help, reporting concerns directly to the appropriate service remains the best way to ensure problems are formally recorded and investigated. Building an accurate picture of local issues helps officers target resources where they are most needed.

Supporting Residents Through Difficult Times

I was pleased to visit Fife Council's Job Club and Welfare Team to hear more about the support they provide to residents across North East Fife.

The team offers help with employment, benefits applications and appeals, budgeting, digital skills, advocacy and crisis support. They work closely with organisations such as Citizens Advice and local foodbanks to ensure residents can access the support they need.

During the visit, staff raised concerns about increasing levels of poor mental health, complex health conditions and pensioner poverty. Delays in the Scottish Welfare Fund and gaps in support for some vulnerable residents were also highlighted. I look forward to working with the team going forward.

Continuing to Raise Local Concerns

These meetings provided valuable insight into the challenges facing both residents and the services that support them. I am grateful to everyone who took the time to meet with my team and share their experiences. The information gathered will help inform my ongoing work and ensure that the concerns raised by constituents across North East Fife continue to be represented and acted upon.

Below are some useful contacts for reporting issues:

Speeding Complaints

Police Scotland