MP for Rutland and Stamford Alicia Kearns has spoken out once again in criticism of the Government's handling of Local Government Reorganisation, this time raising her concerns during Oral Parliamentary Questions.

On 13 October, during questions to the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Governments, Kearns asked what reassurances the Government could give that democracy will not die under Local Government Reforms and that local people's voices will be heard.

The Minister of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Alison McGovern MP responded to Kearns' question, confirming that 'democracy will not die' and will have heard her concerns and accept her question as a representation of the issue of Local Government.

Kearns said: 'The Minister's response to my question was disappointingly blase and demonstrated no concern for residents. Above all, she offered no reassurance the Government is listening to residents who are having proposals forced upon them against their wishes by Government and by our County Councils.

'Democracy means 'rule by the people', yet Local Government Re-Organisation plans are moving democracy further from local people with little consultation from the Government, let alone councils who are pursuing their own proposals in opposition to residents' wishes.'

Kearns' question and McGovern's answer can be seen here via partliamentlive.tv