An MP representing a Somerset constituency has challenged the government over long delays in replies from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Adam Dance, the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, raised the issue directly with the Secretary of State in Parliament, demanding an answer on the steps he is taking to improve correspondence times.
He said his office has been affected by similar problems as the public, waiting up to six months for responses.
Mr Dance said: "My office continues to receive many emails relating to the DWP, and we too have been experiencing delays in receiving responses, sometimes of up to six months.
"I was therefore pleased to receive a commitment to respond to the most severely delayed correspondence regarding my constituents immediately.
"It was also reassuring to receive a written response from the government on the steps being taken to address the existing backlog and improve response time capabilities, including recruiting and training additional staff to handle correspondence and complaints.
"Yet we need to see real action, not just promises."
He warned that delays could seriously harm residents' well-being.
He said: "Departmental delays can have a huge impact on the lives of people across Yeovil, South Somerset, and the whole UK, with potentially damaging consequences for their mental and physical health.
"I will do everything I can to hold the government to account on this and will continue to update residents as and when progress has been made."
Mr Dance said the intervention is part of his wider efforts to address issues raised by constituents.
He has encouraged constituents experiencing issues to email his office at adam.dance.mp@parliament.uk.
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