Sir Teddy Taylor says people's problems are getting worse.
Sir Teddy, MP for Rochford and Southend East, estimates about 24,000 people have come to him with their problems in his Saturday surgery since he became a member in 1980.
During his 24-year career, he has listed three areas which he says cause trouble for people living in Southend and Rochford.
He said: "Family relationships are tending to break up, there are more temporary relationships and people are spending far too much money.
"Another problem I have seen grow is that young people are getting more and more involved with the vandalism of our community.
"I have also seen a lot more people come to me to say that they are suffering from depression - maybe a result of these problems."
Teddy spends every Saturday at his office in Lifstan Way, Southend, listening to people's problems with housing, immigration, the Child Support Agency and tax problems.
He firmly believes the system allows far too many people to borrow too much money which they can't repay.
However Teddy says the goodwill of people who visit him hasn't deteriorated at all.
Published Friday January 2, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article