Good News Story of the Week concerns regarding the DVLA backlog.
"Ms G from Basildon got in touch with me as she was at her wits end with the DVLA – and she’s not the first constituent to ask for help with a simple matter.
Due to a medical condition, Ms G must re-apply for her driving licence every few years. You’d think this would be a simple process, and in most cases it is. However, Ms G tried to submit her information online and, for some reason, this did not work. The DVLA then sent her forms to complete late last year, which she promptly returned. After that? Radio silence.
Her licence then expired in February this year, which naturally made her worried to drive, though she was still eligible to continue driving whilst waiting for the renewal licence to be completed. However, this naturally can feel a bit wrong and put her in an awkward place like her life was on hold.
After 20 weeks of waiting, seven telephone calls to the DVLA, and one formal complaint, Ms G contacted me to see if I could help. Luckily for her, my team and I have a lot of experience of dealing with the DVLA. In fact, I’ve posted other Good News Stories with wins for local people from BasildonAndBillericay in getting licence issues sorted.
My office contacted the DVLA right away and I’m pleased to say that Ms G’s licence arrived very shortly after.
Now, this isn’t how it should be, but plenty of issues are stuck in the system and just need a nudge along. So, if you are facing a problem like this, or a totally different issue but need some help or advice, then please contact me via my website here: https://www.richardholden.org.uk/contact.
We cannot fix every problem, even though I wish we could, but my office and I will always try our best. I’m also very happy to come out to see you if that’s easier and I’ve conducted many surgeries across Basildon, Billericay, and everywhere in-between, even with a few home visits."
