Who can actually help with this?
Two questions: what it's about, and what you need. We'll tell you where to start, what they can and can't do, and where to go if it isn't sorted.
If someone is in danger or it can't wait:
Life at risk, violence, crime in progress, fire:
999Non-emergency police:
101Urgent medical help (not life-threatening):
111Power cut (national number; the council is not responsible for electricity supply):
105
What is it about?
Bins, litter and fly-tippingMissed bin collection, Dumped mattress in an alleyPotholes, local roads and parkingPothole or trip hazard, Broken street lightCouncil housing (Portsmouth Homes) and homelessnessRepair not done, Damp and mouldPrivate renting and HMOsLandlord will not repair, Illegal evictionPlanning and developmentNeighbour's extension, New flats proposedSchools, SEND and social careRefused a school place, EHC plan refused or wrongBenefits, pensions, tax and immigrationUniversal Credit decision, PIP refusedGP, dentist and hospital accessCannot get a GP appointment, No NHS dentistCrime and antisocial behaviourBurglary, Noisy neighboursWater, sewage and bathing waterSewage in the sea, Sewer floodingBuses and regional connectivityBus did not turn up, Route withdrawnPrivate legal, employment and consumer disputesUnpaid wages, Unfair dismissal
Why not just email the MP?
MPs make laws, question the government and can take up your case with government departments like DWP, HMRC or the Home Office. They can't tell council officers what to do or decide how the council spends its money — councillors and the council do that. So for bins, roads, council housing and planning, start with the council; go to your MP for national rules and government departments. Who does what →
This tells you where to start and what comes next. It is not legal advice. Time limits shown are the ones each body publishes; always check your own decision letter, which may give a different deadline. Routes checked 23 September 2026 by UK Stat Pack.
