MP surgeries
An MP’s surgery is an informal session where you can meet face to face with your Member of Parliament. Many people think that the word ‘surgery’ is a misprint, however this is the term used in British parliament.

Rather like a doctor’s surgery, constituents can turn up at an MP’s office to discuss matters that concern them. MPs usually hold surgeries once a week and advertise them in the local press and sometimes in the local library.

Once at a surgery you are free to raise any subject on your mind.  People come to the MP’s surgery for all manner of reasons ranging from simply wanting to put a point across, to a serious problem requiring the input of the Member of Parliament sometimes because all other agencies have failed to get the problem resolved.

Quango
A quango is an acronym (spelt out as QUAsi Non-Governmental Organisation), and is used to describe a range of organisations to which governments have devolved power. A quango carries out specific duties where it might not be appropriate for a cabinet minister to do so. One example of a quango is the Learning and Skills Council which is also Britain’s largest quango. It is responsible for planning and funding further education in England.

Another name for a quango is a ‘Non-departmental public body’.